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{{Short description|Sega video game console}}
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{{Infobox information appliance
| logo = [[File:Dreamcast logo Japan.svg|frameless|130px|class=skin-invert]]<!-- DO NOT CHANGE THE LOGO TO EITHER THE DARK-RED OR EUROPEAN ONE -->
| image = Dreamcast-Console-Set.png
| caption = North American Dreamcast with controller and [[VMU]]
| manufacturer = [[Sega]]
| type = [[Home video game console]]
| generation = [[Sixth generation of video game consoles|Sixth]]
| releasedate = {{vgrelease|JP|November 27, 1998|NA|September 9, 1999|EU|October 14, 1999|AU|November 30, 1999}}
| price = {{Unbulleted indent list
  | {{JPY|29,000|1998|round=-2}}
  | {{USD|199|1999|round=-1}}
  | {{GBP|200|1999|round=-1}}
  }}
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|WW|March 31, 2001}}
| unitssold = 9.13 million<!-- Do NOT change to "10.6 million"; see talk page on the overall sales number --><ref name="Routledge" />
| media = [[GD-ROM|GD{{nbhyph}}ROM]], [[CD-ROM|CD{{nbhyph}}ROM]]
| cpu = [[SuperH#SH-4|Hitachi SH-4]]
| CPUspeed = 200&nbsp;MHz
| memory = 16&nbsp;MB&nbsp;RAM, 8&nbsp;MB&nbsp;[[video&nbsp;RAM]], 2&nbsp;MB&nbsp;audio&nbsp;RAM
| memory card = 128&nbsp;KB&nbsp;[[VMU]]
| display = {{hlist
| [[Composite video|Composite]]
| [[RF modulator]]
| [[SCART]]
| [[S-video]]
| [[VGA]] {{small|(via [[Dreamcast VGA|adaptor]])}}
}}
| GPU = [[PowerVR#Series2 (NEC)|NEC PowerVR2]] @ 100&nbsp;MHz
| sound = Yamaha AICA @ 67&nbsp;MHz with [[ARM7]] CPU, 64&nbsp;channels
| service = {{ubl|[[Dricas]]|[[SegaNet]]|[[Dreamarena]]}}
| dimensions = {{cvt|195.8|xx|190|xx|75.5|mm}}
| weight = {{cvt|1.5|kg}}
| topgame = ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (2.5&nbsp;million)
| predecessor = [[Sega Saturn]]
}}

The {{Nihongo foot|'''Dreamcast'''|ドリームキャスト|''Dorīmukyasuto''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}<!-- See [[WP:JFN]] --> is the final [[home video game console]] manufactured by [[Sega]]. It was released in Japan on November 27, 1998, in North America on September 9, 1999, in Europe on October 14, 1999 and in Australia on November 30, 1999. It was the first [[sixth generation video game console|sixth-generation video game console]], preceding [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 2]], [[Nintendo]]'s [[GameCube]], and [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. The Dreamcast's discontinuation in 2001 ended Sega's 18 years in the console market.

A team led by [[Hideki Sato]] began developing the Dreamcast in 1997. In contrast to the expensive hardware of the unsuccessful [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]], the Dreamcast was designed to reduce costs with [[Commercial off-the-shelf|off-the-shelf]] components, including a [[Hitachi]] [[SuperH|SH-4]] [[central processing unit|CPU]] and an [[NEC]] [[PowerVR#Series2 (NEC)|PowerVR2]] [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]]. Sega used the [[GD-ROM]] disc format to avoid the expense of [[DVD]] licensing. To speed game development, the console could run a custom version of [[Windows CE]] for easier PC game [[porting]] and shared hardware with Sega's [[Sega NAOMI|NAOMI system board]], enabling authentic [[arcade game]] conversions. The Dreamcast was the first console to include a built-in modular [[modem]] for internet access and [[Dreamcast online functionality|online play]].

Though its Japanese release was beset by supply problems, the Dreamcast had a successful US launch backed by a large marketing campaign. However, sales steadily declined as Sony built anticipation for the PlayStation 2. Dreamcast sales did not meet Sega's expectations, and attempts to renew interest through price cuts caused significant financial losses. After a change in leadership, Sega discontinued the Dreamcast on March 31, 2001, withdrew from the console business, and restructured itself as a [[third-party developer]]. A total of 9.13 million<!-- Do NOT change to "10.6 million"; see talk page on the overall sales number --> Dreamcast units were sold worldwide and [[List of Dreamcast games|over 600 games]] were produced. Its bestselling game, ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (1998)—the first [[3D computer graphics|3D]] game in Sega's ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series—sold 2.5 million copies.

The Dreamcast's [[List of commercial failures in video games|commercial failure]] has been attributed to several factors, including competition from the PlayStation 2, limited third-party support, and the earlier failures of the [[32X]] and Saturn having tarnished Sega's reputation. In retrospect, reviewers have celebrated the Dreamcast as one of the greatest consoles. It is considered ahead of its time for pioneering concepts such as online play and [[downloadable content]]. Many Dreamcast games are regarded as innovative, including ''Sonic Adventure'', ''[[Crazy Taxi (video game)|Crazy Taxi]]'' (1999), ''[[Shenmue (video game)|Shenmue]]'' (1999), ''[[Jet Set Radio]]'' (2000), and ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'' (2000). The Dreamcast remains popular in the video game [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] community, which has developed [[Server emulator|private servers]] to preserve its online functions and [[List of Dreamcast homebrew games|unofficial Dreamcast software]].

== History ==

=== Background ===
In 1988, Sega released the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]] (known as the Mega Drive in most countries outside North America), in the [[fourth generation of video game consoles]].<ref name="Retroinspection">{{cite magazine |last=Sczepaniak |first=John |date=August 2006 |title=Retroinspection: Mega Drive |url=https://archive.org/details/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_027/page/42/mode/2up |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher= |issue=27 |pages=42–47}}</ref> It became the most successful Sega console ever, at 30.75 million units sold.<ref name="Routledge">{{cite book|last=Ernkvist|first=Mirko|title=The Video Game Industry: Formation, Present State, and Future|chapter=Console Hardware: The Development of Nintendo Wii|publisher=[[Routledge]]|year=2012|isbn=978-1138803831|page=[https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Video_Game_Industry/lgiQNdc-DOwC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=158 158]|quote="&nbsp;... all [figures] from [[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|CESA]] [[white paper]]."}}</ref> Its successor, the [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]], was released in Japan in 1994.<ref name="Saturn">{{cite web|title=Sega Saturn|url=http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716103105/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/|archive-date=July 16, 2014|access-date=March 3, 2014|publisher=[[Sega]]|language=ja}}</ref> The Saturn is [[CD-ROM]]-based and has [[2D computer graphics|2D]] and [[3D computer graphics|3D]] graphics, but its complex dual-[[Central processing unit|CPU]] architecture was more difficult to program than its chief competitor, the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]].<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast"/> Although the Saturn debuted before the PlayStation in Japan and the United States,<ref name="Finn">{{cite book|author-last=Finn|author-first=Mark|editor-last=Mäyrä|editor-first=Frans|title=Computer Games and Digital Cultures: Conference Proceedings: Proceedings of the Computer Games and Digital Cultures Conference, June 6-8, 2002, Tampere, Finland|chapter=Console Games in the Age of Convergence|publisher=Tampere University Press|year=2002|isbn=9789514453717|pages=45–58}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=502, 516}} its surprise US launch, four months ahead of schedule,<ref>{{cite web|last=Cifaldi |first=Frank |url=http://www.1up.com/news/day-history-sega-announces-surprise |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629122913/http://www.1up.com/news/day-history-sega-announces-surprise |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |title=This Day in History: Sega Announces Surprise Saturn Launch |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=May 11, 2010 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=516–517}}{{sfn|DeMaria|Wilson|2004|page=282}} was limited to four retailers due to a lack of supply, which "aggravated" other retailers. Developers also found it easier to program for the Playstation, which caused a loss of support from these game developers.<ref name="Schilling">{{cite journal|last=Schilling|first=Mellissa A.|title=Technological Leapfrogging: Lessons From the U.S. Video Game Console Industry|journal=[[California Management Review]]|volume=45|number=3|date=Spring 2003|page=23|doi=10.2307/41166174|jstor=41166174|s2cid=114838931}}</ref> Losses on the Saturn{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=532}} contributed to financial problems for Sega, whose revenue had declined between 1992 and 1995 as part of an industry-wide slowdown.<ref name="Finn" /><ref name="Innovation and competition">{{cite journal |last1=Gallagher |first1=Scott |last2=Park |first2=Seung Ho |date=February 2002 |title=Innovation and Competition in Standard-Based Industries: A Historical Analysis of the U.S. Home Video Game Market |journal=[[Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers|IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management]] |volume=49 |pages=67–82 |doi=10.1109/17.985749 |number=1}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=500, 508, 531}}

Sega announced that [[Shoichiro Irimajiri]] would replace [[Tom Kalinske]] as chairman and CEO of Sega of America,{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=535}}<ref name="M2 Press" /><ref name="Kalinske out">{{cite web |date=July 16, 1996 |title=Kalinske Out - WORLD EXCLUSIVE |url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/071696a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961220200643/http://www.next-generation.com/news/071696a.html |archive-date=December 20, 1996 |access-date=May 6, 2014 |website=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=}}</ref> while [[Bernie Stolar]], a former executive at [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] of America,<ref name="Newsflash">{{cite web |date=July 13, 1996 |title=NEWSFLASH: Sega Planning Drastic Management Reshuffle - World Exclusive |url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/071396a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961220200717/http://www.next-generation.com/news/071396a.html |archive-date=December 20, 1996 |access-date=May 6, 2014 |website=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=558}} became Sega of America's executive vice president in charge of product development and third-party relations.<ref name="M2 Press">{{cite news|title=Sega of America appoints Shoichiro Irimajiri chairman/chief executive officer |work=M2PressWIRE |publisher=M2 Communications, Ltd. |date=July 16, 1996 |url=http://www.m2.com/m2/web/story.php/1996852568440080DDE88025683B005E7A3F |quote=Sega of America Inc. (SOA) Monday announced that [[Shoichiro Irimajiri]] has been appointed chairman and chief executive officer. In addition, Sega announced that Bernard Stolar, previously of Sony Computer Entertainment America, has joined the company as executive vice president, responsible for product development and third-party business&nbsp;... Sega also announced that Hayao Nakayama and David Rosen have resigned as chairman and co-chairman of Sega of America, respectively. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018032603/http://www.m2.com/m2/web/story.php/1996852568440080DDE88025683B005E7A3F |archive-date=October 18, 2014 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="Kalinske out" /> After the 1996 launch of the [[Nintendo 64]], sales of the Saturn and its software fell sharply. As of August 1997, Sony controlled 47 percent of the console market, [[Nintendo]] controlled 40 percent, and Sega controlled only 12 percent; neither price cuts nor high-profile games helped the Saturn.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=558}} {{Quote box
| quote = I thought the Saturn was a mistake as far as hardware was concerned. The games were obviously terrific, but the hardware just wasn't there.
| source = —Bernie Stolar, former president of Sega of America, in 2009<ref name="IGN's History of Sega">{{cite web |author=Fahs, Travis |date=April 21, 2009 |title=IGN Presents the History of Sega |url=https://ign.com/articles/2009/04/21/ign-presents-the-history-of-sega?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031060740/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/21/ign-presents-the-history-of-sega?page=1 |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |access-date=October 31, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
| width = 30em
}}
[[Hayao Nakayama]] resigned as president of Sega in January 1998 in favor of Irimajiri,<ref name="NYT">{{cite news |last=Strom |first=Stephanie |date=March 14, 1998 |title=Sega Enterprises Pulls Its Saturn Video Console From the U.S. Market |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/14/business/international-business-sega-enterprises-pulls-its-saturn-video-console-us-market.html?pagewanted=1 |url-status=live |access-date=January 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430012902/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/14/business/international-business-sega-enterprises-pulls-its-saturn-video-console-us-market.html?pagewanted=1 |archive-date=April 30, 2013}}</ref> and Stolar acceded to become CEO and president of Sega of America.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=558}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Feldman|first=Curt|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/katana-strategy-still-on-back-burner/1100-2463564/|title=Katana Strategy Still on Back Burner|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=April 22, 1998|url-status=live|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705034437/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/katana-strategy-still-on-back-burner/1100-2463564/|archive-date=July 5, 2017}}</ref> Following five years of generally declining profits,<ref name="1998 report"/> in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998, Sega suffered its first parent and consolidated financial losses since its 1988 listing on the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]],<ref>{{cite web |date=March 18, 1998 |title=Sega News From Japan |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-news-from-japan/1100-2462352/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705034437/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-news-from-japan/1100-2462352/ |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=December 7, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> reporting a consolidated net loss of {{¥|35.6 billion|link=yes}} ({{US$|269.8 million}}).<ref name="1998 report">{{cite web |title=Sega Enterprises Annual Report 1998 |url=http://sega.jp/IR/en/ar/ar1998/ar98.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040504003308/http://sega.jp/IR/en/ar/ar1998/ar98.pdf |archive-date=May 4, 2004 |access-date=December 7, 2014 |publisher=[[Sega]] |pages=1, 7–8}}</ref> Shortly before announcing its financial losses, Sega announced the discontinuation of the Saturn in North America to prepare for the launch of its successor.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=558}}<ref name="NYT" /> This effectively left the Western market without Sega games for more than a year.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast">{{cite web |last=Fahs |first=Travis |date=September 9, 2010 |title=IGN Presents the History of Dreamcast |url=https://ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928201508/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |access-date=October 31, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Rumors about the upcoming Dreamcast—spread mainly by Sega—leaked to the public before the last Saturn games were released.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=559}}

=== Development ===
As early as 1995, reports surfaced that Sega would collaborate with [[Lockheed Martin]], [[The 3DO Company]], [[Panasonic|Matsushita]] or [[Alliance Semiconductor]] to create a new [[graphics processing unit]], which conflicting accounts said would be used for a 64-bit "Saturn 2" or an add-on peripheral.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 1995 |title=US Defense Corp Holds Key to Sega Plans |url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-011/Next_Generation_Issue_011_November_1995#page/n13 |url-status=live |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher= |volume=1 |issue=11 |pages=12–14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206005849/https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-011/Next_Generation_Issue_011_November_1995#page/n13 |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=July 22, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Peep Show">{{cite web |date=May 1, 1997 |title=Peep Show: Sega's New Console Creeps Out of the Shadows |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/peep-show-segas-new-console-creeps-out-of-the-shadows/1100-2466384/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705034437/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/peep-show-segas-new-console-creeps-out-of-the-shadows/1100-2466384/ |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>* {{cite web |date=April 29, 1997 |title=Black Belt from a Lockheed Perspective |url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/042997b.chtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970605161903/http://www.next-generation.com/news/042997b.chtml |archive-date=June 5, 1997 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]}}

* {{cite web |date=February 22, 2008 |title=Interview: Toshiyasu Morita |url=http://www.sega-16.com/2008/02/interview-toshiyasu-morita/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129014052/http://www.sega-16.com/2008/02/interview-toshiyasu-morita/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |website=Sega-16 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> Dreamcast development was unrelated.<ref name="Peep Show"/><ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> Considering the Saturn's poor performance, Irimajiri looked beyond Sega's internal hardware development division to create a new console.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> In 1997, he enlisted [[IBM]]'s Tatsuo Yamamoto to lead an eleven-person team to work on a secret project in the United States with the codename Blackbelt. Accounts vary on how an internal team led by [[Hideki Sato]] also began development on Dreamcast hardware; one account specifies that Sega tasked both teams,<ref name="gamasutra1"/> and another suggests that Sato was bothered by Irimajiri's choice to begin development externally and had his team start work.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/><ref name="EdgeHistory">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/a-history-of-videogame-hardware-sega-dreamcast/ |title=A history of videogame hardware: Sega Dreamcast |author=Parkin, Simon |date=June 24, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121024302/http://www.edge-online.com/features/a-history-of-videogame-hardware-sega-dreamcast/ |archive-date=November 21, 2014}}</ref> Sato and his group chose the [[Hitachi]] [[SuperH|SH-4]] processor architecture and the [[Imagination Technologies|VideoLogic]] [[PowerVR#Series2 (NEC)|PowerVR2]] graphics processor, manufactured by [[NEC]], in the production of the [[mainboard]]. Initially known as Whitebelt,<ref name="RetroinspectionD">{{cite magazine |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=May 2008 |title=Retroinspection: Dreamcast |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/hardware_classics_sega_dreamcast |url-status=live |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher= |issue=50 |pages=66–72 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110322/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/hardware_classics_sega_dreamcast |archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> the project was later codenamed Dural, after the [[Dural (Virtua Fighter)|metallic female fighter]] from Sega's ''[[Virtua Fighter]]'' series.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=559}}<ref name="gamasutra1">{{cite web |last=Perry |first=Douglass |date=September 9, 2009 |title=Features - The Rise And Fall Of The Dreamcast |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-dreamcast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027132503/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4128/the_rise_and_fall_of_the_dreamcast.php?print=1 |archive-date=October 27, 2014 |access-date=October 29, 2014 |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Gamasutra]]}}</ref>

Yamamoto's group opted to use [[3dfx]] [[Voodoo 2]] and [[Voodoo Banshee]] graphics processors alongside a [[PowerPC 600|Motorola PowerPC 603e]] [[central processing unit]] (CPU),<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> but Sega management later asked them to also use the SH-4 chip.<ref name="gamasutra1"/> Both processors have been described as "[[Commercial off-the-shelf|off-the-shelf]]" components.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> According to Charles Bellfield, the former Sega of America vice president of communications and former NEC brand manager, presentations of games using the NEC solution showcased the performance and low cost delivered by the SH-4 and PowerVR architecture. He said that Sega's relationship with NEC, a Japanese company, likely also influenced the decision to use its hardware rather than the architecture developed in America.<ref name="gamasutra1"/> Stolar felt the US 3dfx version should have been used, but that "Japan wanted the Japanese version, and Japan won".<ref name="gamasutra1"/> As a result, 3dfx filed a lawsuit against Sega and NEC claiming breach of contract, which was settled out of court.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/>

The choice to use the PowerVR architecture concerned [[Electronic Arts]] (EA), a longtime developer for Sega consoles. EA had invested in 3dfx but was unfamiliar with the selected architecture, which was reportedly less powerful.<ref name="gamasutra1" /> According to Shiro Hagiwara (a general manager at Sega's hardware division) and Ian Oliver (the managing director of the Sega subsidiary Cross Products), the SH-4 was chosen while still in development, following lengthy deliberation, as the only processor that "could adapt to deliver the 3D geometry calculation performance necessary".<ref name="Unified" /> By February 1998, Sega had renamed the project Katana, after the [[Katana|Japanese sword]],{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=559}} although certain hardware specifications such as [[random access memory]] (RAM) were not finalized.<ref name="NG38">{{cite magazine|title=Good-bye Dural, hello Katana|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Imagine Media]]|date=February 1998|issue=38|page=24}}</ref>

Knowing the Saturn had been set back by its high production costs and complex hardware, Sega took a different approach with the Dreamcast. Like previous Sega consoles, the Dreamcast was designed around intelligent [[System|subsystems]] working in parallel,<ref name="Unified">{{cite journal |last1=Hagiwara |first1=Shiro |last2=Oliver |first2=Ian |date=November–December 1999 |title=Sega Dreamcast: Creating a Unified Entertainment World |journal=[[IEEE Micro]] |volume=19 |pages=29–35 |doi=10.1109/40.809375 |number=6}}</ref> but the selections of hardware were closer to personal computers than video game consoles, reducing cost.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> It also enabled software development to begin before any development kits had been completed, as Sega informed developers that any game developed with a [[Pentium II]] 200 in mind would run on the console.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 1997 |title=Dural Team Gets to Work |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher= |issue=36 |page=22}}</ref> According to Damien McFerran, "the [[motherboard]] was a masterpiece of clean, uncluttered design and compatibility".<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/>

The Chinese economist and future Sega.com CEO Brad Huang convinced the Sega chairman, [[Isao Okawa]], to include a [[modem]] with every Dreamcast under opposition from Okawa's staff over the additional {{US$|15}} cost per unit.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=577}}<ref name="Superhero">{{cite web |last=Burrows |first=Peter |date=May 21, 2000 |title=Sega's Superhero Vs. The Big Guys |url=http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2000-05-21/segas-superhero-vs-dot-the-big-guys |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141029005403/http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2000-05-21/segas-superhero-vs-dot-the-big-guys |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |access-date=October 29, 2014 |work=[[Bloomberg Businessweek|BusinessWeek]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stepanek |first=Marcia |date=June 5, 2000 |title=How to Jump-Start Your E-Strategy |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2000-06-04/how-to-jump-start-your-e-strategy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728101113/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2000-06-04/how-to-jump-start-your-e-strategy |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2014 |work=[[Bloomberg Businessweek|BusinessWeek]] |quote=}}</ref> To account for rapid changes in home data delivery, Sega designed the modem to be [[Modularity|modular]].<ref name="Unified"/>

Sega selected the [[GD-ROM]] (Gigabyte Disc) media format.<ref name="EGM115">{{cite magazine |author=Johnston, Chris |date=February 1999 |title=Hands On: Dreamcast |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher= |issue=115 |pages=26–27}}</ref> Jointly developed by Sega and [[Yamaha Corporation|Yamaha]], the GD-ROM could be mass-produced at a similar price to a normal CD-ROM,<ref name="Unified"/> avoiding the greater expense of newer [[DVD-ROM]] technology.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/><ref name="Hackers">{{cite web |last=Borland |first=John |date=June 30, 2000 |title=Hackers break Dreamcast safeguards, distribute games online |url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1023-242686.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029093337/http://news.cnet.com/2100-1023-242686.html |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |access-date=October 28, 2014 |website=[[CNET|CNET News]] |publisher=}}</ref><ref name="IGNGreat"/>

[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Console-FL (cropped) Windows CE logo.png|thumb|Logo on the Dreamcast: "Compatible with Windows CE"]]
[[Microsoft]] developed a custom Dreamcast version of [[Windows CE]] with [[DirectX]] [[Application programming interface|API]] and [[Dynamic-link library|dynamic-link libraries]], making it easy to [[Porting|port]] PC games to the platform,<ref name="Unified"/> although programmers would ultimately favor Sega's development tools over those from Microsoft.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> A member of the Project Katana team speaking anonymously predicted this would be the case, speculating developers would prefer the greater performance possibilities offered by the Sega OS to the more user-friendly interface of the Microsoft OS.<ref name=NG38/> In late 1997, there were reports about the rumored system, then codenamed Dural, and that it had been demonstrated to a number of game developers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNN - CYBERPLAY: Sega readies for battle - November 13, 1997 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9711/13/cyberplay.lat/ |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=CNN |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520155658/http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9711/13/cyberplay.lat/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Dreamcast was finally revealed on May 21, 1998 in Tokyo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNN - Sega unveils new Dreamcast game console - May. 21, 1998 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9805/21/sega_dreamcast/index.html |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=CNN |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520155656/http://edition.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9805/21/sega_dreamcast/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sega held a public competition to name its new system and considered over 5,000 different entries before choosing "Dreamcast"—a portmanteau of "dream" and "broadcast".<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> According to Katsutoshi Eguchi, Japanese game developer [[Kenji Eno]] submitted the name and created the Dreamcast's spiral logo, but this has not been officially confirmed by Sega.<ref>{{cite book |last=Szczepaniak |first=John |title=The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers: Volume 1 |publisher=SMG Szczepaniak |year=2014 |isbn=978-0992926007 |page=35}}</ref> Former Sega executive Kunihisa Ueno confirmed in his biography that a [[branding agency]] called Interbrand created the logo for the console, with Kenji Eno volunteering to name the console. Eno was paid for his involvement and signed a [[Non-disclosure agreement|NDA]] to prevent his involvement from going public.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Extension |first=Time |date=2024-01-15 |title=Who Created Dreamcast's Logo? We Spent A Year Trying To Find Out |url=https://www.timeextension.com/features/who-created-dreamcasts-logo-we-spent-a-year-trying-to-find-out |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115161948/https://www.timeextension.com/features/who-created-dreamcasts-logo-we-spent-a-year-trying-to-find-out |archive-date=15 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Time Extension |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-09 |title=プジョーの社長、セガを語る（３） |url=https://kaisendon.seesaa.net/article/415303951.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116001713/https://kaisendon.seesaa.net/article/415303951.html |archive-date=16 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=あなたの知らない方が良かった世界 |language=ja}}</ref>

The Dreamcast's startup sound was composed by the Japanese musician [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sato |first1=Yukiyoshi Ike |last2=Kennedy |first2=Sam |date=January 6, 2000 |title=Interview with Kenji Eno |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/interview-with-kenji-eno-2446022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018192858/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/interview-with-kenji-eno-2446022 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=March 4, 2015 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Because the Saturn had tarnished its reputation, Sega planned to remove its name from the console and establish a new gaming brand similar to Sony's [[PlayStation]], but Irimajiri's management team decided to retain it.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" /> Sega spent {{val|p={{US$}}|50|–|80 |u=million}} on hardware development, {{val|p=$|150|–|200 |u=million}} on software development, and {{US$|300 million}} on worldwide promotion—a sum which Irimajiri, a former [[Honda]] executive, humorously likened to the investments required to design new automobiles.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" /><ref>{{cite web |date=August 26, 1998 |title=Interview with Sega's Boss: Shoichiro Irimajiri |url=https://ign.com/articles/1998/08/27/interview-with-segas-boss-shoichiro-irimajiri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024121907/http://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/27/interview-with-segas-boss-shoichiro-irimajiri |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |access-date=October 24, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

=== Launch ===

==== Japan ====
Despite a 75 percent drop in half-year profits just before the Japanese launch, Sega was confident about the Dreamcast. It drew significant interest and many pre-orders.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> However, Sega could not achieve its shipping goals for the Japanese Dreamcast launch due to a shortage of [[PowerVR]] chipsets caused by a high failure rate in the manufacturing process.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/><ref name="G4 GM">{{cite episode |title=Sega Dreamcast |url=http://www.g4tv.com/gamemakers/episodes/1259/Sega_Dreamcast.html |series=Game Makers |series-link=Game Makers |network=G4 |location=Los Angeles |airdate=August 20, 2008 |number=302 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121040744/http://www.g4tv.com/gamemakers/episodes/1259/Sega_Dreamcast.html |archive-date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> As more than half of its limited stock had been pre-ordered, Sega stopped pre-orders in Japan. On November 27, 1998, the Dreamcast launched in Japan at a price of {{JPY|link=yes|29000}}, and the stock sold out by the end of the day. However, of the four games available at launch, only one—a port of ''[[Virtua Fighter 3]]'', the most successful arcade game Sega ever released in Japan—sold well.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=563}} Sega estimated that an additional {{val|200000|–|300000|fmt=commas}} Dreamcast units could have been sold with sufficient supply.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=563}}

Sega had announced that ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', the next game starring its mascot, [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], would launch with the Dreamcast and promoted it with a large-scale public demonstration at the [[Tokyo International Forum|Tokyo Kokusai Forum Hall]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Obuchi |first=Yutaka |date=July 16, 1998 |title=Sonic Onboard Dreamcast |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-onboard-dreamcast/1100-2464382/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705034437/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-onboard-dreamcast/1100-2464382/ |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 1998 |title=International News: Sonic Rocks Tokyo |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher= |volume=10 |issue=112 |page=50 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 1998 |title=News: Sonic's Back! |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |volume=4 |issue=36 |pages=6–8 |quote=}}</ref> but it and ''[[Sega Rally Championship 2]]'' were delayed.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" /> They arrived within the following weeks, but sales continued to be slower than expected.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=563-564}} Irimajiri hoped to sell over one million Dreamcast units in Japan by February 1999, but sold fewer than 900,000, undermining Sega's attempts to build an [[installed base]] sufficient to protect the Dreamcast after the arrival of competition from other manufacturers.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=564}} There were reports of disappointed Japanese consumers returning their Dreamcasts and using the refund to purchase additional PlayStation software.<ref name="Toy Story and Japanese launch blues">{{cite magazine |last1=Croal |first1=N'Gai |last2=Totilo |first2=Stephen |date=September 6, 1999 |title=Who's Got Game? Beleaguered Sega Hopes to Get Back on Top in the Video Game Wars with Dreamcast, the First of a New Generation of Superfast, Supercool Fun Machines |volume=134 |issue=10 |pages=58–60 |magazine=[[Newsweek]] |id={{ProQuest|214302223}}}}</ref> ''[[Seaman (video game)|Seaman]]'', released in July 1999, became the Dreamcast's first major hit in Japan.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" />{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=577}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Langan |first=Matthew |date=July 26, 1999 |title=''Famitsu Weekly'' Reviews Latest Dreamcast Games |url=https://ign.com/articles/1999/07/27/famitsu-weekly-reviews-latest-dreamcast-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030102441/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/27/famitsu-weekly-reviews-latest-dreamcast-games |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Prior to the Western launch, Sega reduced the price of the Dreamcast to {{JPY|19900}}, effectively making it unprofitable but increasing sales. The reduction and the release of [[Namco]]'s ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' helped Sega gain 17 percent on its shares.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" />

==== North America ====
Before the Dreamcast's release, Sega was dealt a blow when [[Electronic Arts]], the largest third-party video game publisher at the time, announced it would not develop games for the system. EA's chief creative officer [[Bing Gordon]] said that Sega had "flip-flopped" on the hardware configuration, that EA developers did not want to work on it, and that Sega "was not acting like a competent hardware company". Gordon also said that Sega could not afford to give them the "kind of license that EA has had over the last five years".<ref name="gamasutra1" /> According to Stolar, president of EA at the time, Larry Probst, wanted exclusive rights as the only sports brand on Dreamcast, which Stolar could not accept due to Sega's recent {{US$|10 million}} purchase of the [[sports game]] developer [[Visual Concepts]]. While EA's ''[[Madden NFL]]'' series had established brand power, Stolar regarded Visual Concepts' ''[[NFL 2K (video game)|NFL 2K]]'' as superior and would provide "a breakthrough experience" to launch the Dreamcast.<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /><ref name="gamasutra1" /> While none of EA's popular sports games were released for the Dreamcast, "Sega Sports" titles developed mainly by Visual Concepts{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=581}} helped to fill that void.<ref name="gamasutra1" />

{{Quote box
| quote = Let's take the conservative estimate of 250,000 Dreamcast units at presale—that's a quarter of a million units at {{US$|long=no|200}}. We'll have a ratio of 1.5 or two games for every Dreamcast unit sold. That's half a million units of software. We think we'll be .5 to one on [[VMU]]s and peripheral items such as extra controllers and what have you. This could be a {{val|p=$|60 |to| 80 |u=million}} 24-hour period. What has ever sold {{val|p=$|60 |to| 80 |u=million}} in the first 24 hours?
| source = —Peter Moore, speaking to ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' about the then-upcoming launch of the Dreamcast<ref name="EGM122">{{cite magazine|title=Dreamcast: It's here...|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media, LLC.|issue=122|date=September 1999|page=168}}</ref>
| width = 30em
}}
Working closely with [[Midway Games]] (which developed four North American launch games for the system) and taking advantage of the ten months following the Dreamcast's release in Japan, Sega of America worked to ensure a more successful US launch with a minimum of 15 launch games.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=564–565}} With lingering bitterness over the Saturn's early release, Stolar repaired relations with major US retailers, with whom Sega presold 300,000 Dreamcast units.<ref name="gamasutra1" /> In addition, a pre-launch promotion enabled consumers to rent Dreamcasts from [[Hollywood Video]] starting on July 14.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Graser |first1=Marc |title=H'wood Video plays Dreamcast vidgame |url=https://variety.com/1999/biz/news/h-wood-video-plays-dreamcast-vidgame-1117503595/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=June 30, 1999 |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409050951/https://variety.com/1999/biz/news/h-wood-video-plays-dreamcast-vidgame-1117503595/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sega of America's senior vice president of marketing [[Peter Moore (business)|Peter Moore]],{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=565}} a fan of the attitude previously associated with Sega's brand, worked with [[FCB (advertising agency)|Foote, Cone & Belding]] and Access Communications to develop the "It's Thinking" campaign of 15-second television commercials, which emphasized the Dreamcast's hardware power.<ref name="gamasutra1"/><ref name="Dreamcast memorial">{{cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=September 3, 2009 |title=9.9.99, A Dreamcast Memorial |url=http://www.1up.com/features/9999-dreamcast-memorial |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140201012313/http://www.1up.com/features/9999-dreamcast-memorial |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=[[1Up.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 26, 1998 |title=Dreamcast: The European View |url=https://ign.com/articles/1998/08/27/dreamcast-the-european-view |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208064810/http://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/27/dreamcast-the-european-view |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |access-date=December 5, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> According to Moore: "We needed to create something that would really intrigue consumers, somewhat apologize for the past, but invoke{{sic}} all the things we loved about Sega, primarily from the Genesis days."<ref name="gamasutra1"/> On August 11, Sega of America confirmed that Stolar had been fired, leaving Moore to direct the launch.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=564–565}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |date=August 12, 1999 |title=A Post-Bernie Sega Speaks |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-post-bernie-sega-speaks/1100-2460797/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705034437/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-post-bernie-sega-speaks/1100-2460797/ |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=December 17, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

The Dreamcast launched in North America on September 9, 1999, at a price of {{US$|long=no|199}}, which Sega's marketing dubbed "9/9/99 for {{US$|long=no|199}}".<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast"/>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=564}}<ref name="Dreamcast memorial"/> Nineteen launch games were available in the US.<ref name="Dreamcast memorial"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=September 9, 2008 |title=IGN Classics: Dreamcast Launch Guide |url=https://ign.com/articles/2008/09/09/ign-classics-dreamcast-launch-guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030003140/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/09/ign-classics-dreamcast-launch-guide |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=October 29, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kato |first=Matthew |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/10/30/which-game-console-had-the-best-launch-lineup.aspx?PostPageIndex=4 |title=Which Game Console Had The Best Launch Lineup? |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |page=4 |date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230142031/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/10/30/which-game-console-had-the-best-launch-lineup.aspx?PostPageIndex=4 |archive-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> Sega set a new sales record by selling more than 225,132 Dreamcast units in 24 hours, earning {{US$|long=no|98.4 million}} in what Moore called "the biggest 24 hours in entertainment retail history".<ref name="gamasutra1"/> Within two weeks, US Dreamcast sales exceeded 500,000 units.<ref name="gamasutra1"/> By Christmas, Sega held 31 percent of the North American video game market share.<ref name="businessweek.com">{{cite magazine |author=Edwards, Cliff |date=December 18, 2000 |title=Sega vs. Sony: Pow! Biff! Whack! |url=http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_51/b3712200.htm |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Bloomberg Businessweek|BusinessWeek]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203025342/http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_51/b3712200.htm |archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> Significant launch games included ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', the arcade [[fighting game]] ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'', and [[Visual Concepts]]' football simulation ''[[NFL 2K (video game)|NFL 2K]]''.<ref name="gamasutra1"/>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=565}} On November 4, Sega announced it had sold over one million Dreamcast units in North America.<ref name="BBC"/> The launch was marred by a glitch at one of Sega's manufacturing plants, which produced defective GD-ROMs.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 10, 1999 |title=Defective Dreamcast GD-ROMs |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/defective-dreamcast-gd-roms/1100-2460952/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401191004/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/defective-dreamcast-gd-roms/1100-2460952/ |archive-date=April 1, 2015 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

==== Europe ====
Sega released the Dreamcast in Europe on October 14, 1999,<ref name="BBC"/> at a price of £200.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> By November 24, 400,000 consoles had been sold in Europe.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |date=November 24, 1999 |title=Dreamcast beats PlayStation record |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/534957.stm |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016054015/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/534957.stm |archive-date=October 16, 2013}}</ref> By Christmas of 1999, Sega of Europe had sold 500,000 units, six months ahead of schedule.<ref name="RetroinspectionD"/> The price was dropped to £149.99 from September 8, 2000, with sales at around 800,000 in Europe at this point.<ref name=":3" /> Announcing the drop, Jean-François Cecillon, CEO of Sega Europe, commented: "There are 'X' amount of core gamers in Europe; the early adopters. We have reached 80 or 90 per cent of them now and the market is screaming for a price reduction. We have to acknowledge these things and go with the market".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 7, 2000 |title=The price is right! Dreamcast now officially available for less than £150 |magazine=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK)]] |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |issue=12 |pages=25}}</ref> Sales did not continue at this pace, and by October 2000, Sega had sold only about one million units in Europe.<ref name="Dreamarena">{{cite web |author=Gestalt |date=October 17, 2000 |title=Dreamcast - thanks a million |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_29487 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022142729/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_29487 |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=October 16, 2014 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |quote=}}</ref> As part of Sega's promotions of the Dreamcast in Europe, it sponsored four European [[Association football|football]] clubs: [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] (England),<ref>{{cite news |date=April 22, 1999 |title=Sonic signs for Gunners |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/326010.stm |access-date=July 19, 2007 |archive-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911091622/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/326010.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]] (France),<ref>{{cite web |date=June 15, 1999 |title=SEGA EUROPE strikes third major European sponsorship deal with A.S. SAINT-ETIENNE |url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=50451 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608192940/http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=50451 |archive-date=June 8, 2011 |access-date=July 19, 2007 |website=PRnewswire.co.uk |publisher=}}</ref> [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] (Italy),<ref>{{cite web |date=June 11, 1999 |title=SEGA EUROPE strikes sponsorship deal with U.C. SAMPDORIA |url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=31106 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608192952/http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=31106 |archive-date=June 8, 2011 |access-date=July 19, 2007 |website=PRnewswire.co.uk |publisher=}}</ref> and [[Deportivo de La Coruña]] (Spain).<ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=September 1, 2000 |title=SEGA announce new price for Dreamcast |url=http://www.sega.co.jp/corp/release/2000/0901_4/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819220634/http://www.sega.co.jp/corp/release/2000/0901_4/ |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |access-date=July 19, 2007 |publisher=[[Sega]]}}</ref>

==== Australia and New Zealand ====
Through the regional distributor [[Ozisoft]], the Dreamcast went on sale in Australia and New Zealand on November 30, 1999, at a price of {{A$|499|link=yes}}.<ref name="Telstra-SMH">{{cite news |last1=Crawford |first1=Kate |title=Sega's dream cast for Telstra |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/119733986/ |access-date=June 14, 2021 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=November 2, 1999 |page=31 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195158/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/119733986/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The launch was planned for September, but was delayed due to problems with Internet compatibility and launch game availability, then delayed again from the revised date of October 25 for various reasons.<ref>{{cite news |last=Langan |first=Matthew |date=August 2, 1999 |title=Dreamcast Delays Down Under |language=en |work=[[IGN]] |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/03/dreamcast-delays-down-under |access-date=June 15, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200239/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/03/dreamcast-delays-down-under |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Norsa |first1=Gerard |date=August 25, 1999 |title=Dreamcast labelled as no new games wizard |work=[[IDG Communications|ARN]] |publisher= |url=https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/47613/dreamcast_labelled_no_new_games_wizard/ |access-date=June 15, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195153/https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/47613/dreamcast_labelled_no_new_games_wizard/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|Representatives from Ozisoft had different answers for the delay from October 25; one responded to ''[[IGN]]'' stating that they were awaiting approval from [[Telecom New Zealand]] for both the console and the Internet access disc.<ref>{{cite news |last=Langan |first=Matthew |title=More On The Dreamcast Delay In Australia And New Zealand |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/23/more-on-the-dreamcast-delay-in-australia-and-new-zealand |access-date=June 15, 2021 |work=IGN |date=October 22, 1999 |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201038/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/23/more-on-the-dreamcast-delay-in-australia-and-new-zealand |url-status=live }}</ref> Another said, via ''ARN'', that the delay was caused by high demand for international shipping along with chip manufacturing problems resulting from the [[1999 Jiji earthquake|then-recent earthquake in Taiwan]]; he also noted that Sega reallocated 50,000 Dreamcast units meant for the November 30 launch out of Australia due to heavy demand elsewhere.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Norsa |first1=Gerard |title=Dreamcast delayed as retailers buy up |url=https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/101747/dreamcast_delayed_retailers_buy_up/ |access-date=June 15, 2021 |work=ARN |publisher=IDG Communications |date=November 3, 1999 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195742/https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/101747/dreamcast_delayed_retailers_buy_up/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} There were severe problems at launch; besides a severe shortage of the consoles, only six of the thirty planned launch games were available for purchase on day one with no [[first-party software]] included, and additional peripherals were not available in stores.<ref>{{cite news |last=Langan |first=Matthew |date=November 30, 1999 |title=Dreamcast Hits Australia |language=en |work=[[IGN]] |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/01/dreamcast-hits-australia |access-date=June 15, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200117/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/01/dreamcast-hits-australia |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Ozisoft representative Steve O'Leary, in a statement released the day of launch, explained that the [[Australian Customs Service]] had impounded virtually all the supplied launch software, including demo discs, due to insufficient labeling of their [[country of origin]]; Ozisoft had received them only two days before launch, resulting in few games that were catalogued and prepared for shipment in time. O'Leary also said that the Dreamcast's high demand in other markets had reduced the number of peripherals allotted to the region.<ref name="Ozisoft launch explanation - IGN">{{cite news |last1=Langan |first1=Matthew |date=December 1, 1999 |title=Update On Dreamcast Launch In Australia |language=en |work=[[IGN]] |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/02/update-on-dreamcast-launch-in-australia |access-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195719/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/02/update-on-dreamcast-launch-in-australia |url-status=live }}</ref> Further complicating matters was the lack of an internet disc due to localization problems, and delays in securing an ISP contract, which was done through [[Telstra]] the day before launch. The online component was not ready until March 2000, at which point Ozisoft sent the necessary software to users who had sent in a filled-out [[reply paid]] card included with the console.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schouten |first1=Ryoni |date=March 23, 2000 |title=DC Internet Finally Hits Australia |language=en |work=[[IGN]] |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/24/dc-internet-finally-hits-australia |access-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195619/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/24/dc-internet-finally-hits-australia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Australia launch - Edge">{{Cite magazine |date=January 2000 |title=Dreamcast blunders down under |url= |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |location= |publisher= |issue=80 |page=7 |issn= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=March 16, 2000 |title=Big Pond casts net dreams |language=en-AU |work=[[PC World]] |publisher= |url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/105542/big_pond_casts_net_dreams/ |access-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624215842/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/105542/big_pond_casts_net_dreams/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The poor launch, combined with a lack of advertising and a high price point, produced lackluster sales in Australia; two large retail chains reported a combined total of 13 console sales over the first few days after launch.<ref name="Australia launch - Edge" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Cameron |date=April 27, 2000 |title=Dreamcast's Dismal Aussie Outing |work=[[GameSpot]] |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcasts-dismal-aussie-outing/1100-2460893/ |access-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195151/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcasts-dismal-aussie-outing/1100-2460893/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Competition ===
[[File:PS2-Fat-Console-Set.jpg|thumb|The [[PlayStation 2|PS2]] provided tough competition for the Dreamcast.]]
Though the Dreamcast launch was successful, Sony held 60 percent of the overall video game market share in North America with the PlayStation at the end of 1999.<ref name="BBC"/> On March 2, 1999, Sony revealed the first details of the [[PlayStation 2]] (PS2), which [[Ken Kutaragi]] said would allow video games to convey unprecedented emotions.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=560–561}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=June 25, 2014 |title=A history of videogame hardware: Sony PlayStation 2 |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/a-history-of-videogame-hardware-playstation-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031500/http://www.edge-online.com/features/a-history-of-videogame-hardware-playstation-2/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref> Sony estimated the PS2 could render 7.5 million<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003 |title=Reaching for the Limits of PS2 Performance: How Far Have We Got? |url=http://www.technology.scee.net/sceesite/files/presentations/PSP/HowFarHaveWeGot.pdf#page=32 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031210074645/http://www.technology.scee.net/sceesite/files/presentations/PSP/HowFarHaveWeGot.pdf#page=32 |archive-date=December 10, 2003 |access-date=May 29, 2022 |publisher=[[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment Europe]]}}</ref> to 16 million polygons per second, whereas independent estimates ranged from 3 million to 20 million,<ref name="Gamecube or PS2?">{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=November 3, 2000 |title=Gamecube Versus PlayStation 2 |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/gamecube-versus-playstation-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104021340/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/gamecube-versus-playstation-2 |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 14, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |quote=}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=560}} compared to Sega's estimates of more than 3 million to 6 million for the Dreamcast.<ref name="EGM115"/><ref name="Unified"/> The PS2 would also use the [[DVD-ROM]] format, which could hold substantially more data than the Dreamcast's GD-ROM,{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=561}} and would be backwards-compatible with hundreds of popular PlayStation games.<ref name="Finn"/>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=561}} Sony's specifications appeared to render the Dreamcast obsolete months before its US launch, although reports later emerged that the PS2 was not as powerful as expected and difficult to develop on.<ref name="Innovation and competition"/><ref name="Gamecube or PS2?"/>{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=561, 568–569}} The same year, Nintendo announced that its next console, the [[GameCube]], would meet or exceed anything on the market, and Microsoft began development of its own console, the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]].{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=563, 574}}{{sfn|DeMaria|Wilson|2004|page=313}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=June 27, 2014 |title=A history of videogame hardware: Xbox |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/a-history-of-videogame-hardware-xbox/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121024245/http://www.edge-online.com/features/a-history-of-videogame-hardware-xbox/ |archive-date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |quote=}}</ref>

US Dreamcast sales—which exceeded 1.5 million by the end of 1999<ref>{{cite web |last=Davis |first=Jim |date=January 11, 2001 |title=Sega's sales fly despite business woes |url=http://news.cnet.com/Segas-sales-fly-despite-business-woes/2100-1040_3-235509.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031031716/http://news.cnet.com/Segas-sales-fly-despite-business-woes/2100-1040_3-235509.html |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=[[CNET|CNET News]] |publisher=}}</ref>—began to decline as early as January 2000.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=566}} Poor Japanese sales contributed to Sega's ¥42.88 billion ($404 million) consolidated net loss in the fiscal year ending March 2000, which followed a loss of ¥42.881 billion the previous year and marked Sega's third consecutive annual loss.<ref name="2000 report">{{cite web |title=Sega Corporation Annual Report 2000 |url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/pdf/ir/kako/sega_AR_all_2000.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070925210504/http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/pdf/ir/kako/sega_AR_all_2000.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2007 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |publisher=[[Sega]] |pages=10–12, 18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/659554.stm |title=Sega warns of losses |date=February 28, 2000 |work=[[BBC News Online]] |access-date=November 10, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111081448/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/659554.stm |archive-date=November 11, 2013}}</ref> Although Sega's overall sales for the term increased 27.4%, and Dreamcast sales in North America and Europe greatly exceeded expectations, this coincided with a decrease in profitability due to the investments required to launch the Dreamcast in Western markets and poor software sales in Japan.<ref name="2000 report"/> At the same time, increasingly poor market conditions reduced the profitability of Sega's Japanese arcade business, prompting Sega to close 246 locations.<ref name="2000 report"/>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=582}}

Moore became the president and chief operating officer of Sega of America on May 8, 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Sam |last2=Trueman |first2=Doug |date=May 8, 2000 |title=Sega announced new president, COO Peter Moore |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announced-new-president-coo-peter-moore/1100-2565545/ |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703220433/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announced-new-president-coo-peter-moore/1100-2565545/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He and Sega's developers focused on the US market to prepare for the upcoming launch of the PS2.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=578–579}} To that end, Sega of America launched its own internet service provider, Sega.com, led by CEO Brad Huang.<ref name="Superhero" />{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=571}}<ref name="SegaNet launch" /> On September 7, 2000, Sega.com launched [[SegaNet]], the Dreamcast's [[Online games|internet gaming]] service, at a subscription price of $21.95 per month.<ref name="SegaNet launch">{{cite web |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=September 7, 2000 |title=SegaNet Launches |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/seganet-launches/1100-2625699/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713030636/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/seganet-launches/1100-2625699/ |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=579}} Although Sega had previously released only one Dreamcast game in the US that featured online multiplayer, ''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]'',{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=579}} the launch of SegaNet combined with the release of ''[[NFL 2K1]]'', with a robust online component, was intended to increase demand for the Dreamcast in the US market.<ref name="SegaNet launch" />{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=578–579, 581}} The service later supported games including ''[[Bomberman Online]]'', ''[[Quake III Arena]]'', and ''[[Unreal Tournament]]''.<ref name="gamasutra1" /> The September 7 launch coincided with a new advertising campaign to promote SegaNet, including advertising on the [[MTV Video Music Awards]] that day, which Sega sponsored for the second consecutive year.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=579}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega.com+Launches+the+World's+First+Online+Console+Gaming+Network%2c...-a065062861|title=Sega.com Launches the World's First Online Console Gaming Network, SegaNet|work=BusinessWire|date=September 7, 2000|access-date=December 3, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209074409/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega.com+Launches+the+World%27s+First+Online+Console+Gaming+Network%2C...-a065062861|archive-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> Sega employed aggressive pricing strategies around online gaming; in Japan, every Dreamcast sold included a free year of internet access, which Okawa personally paid for.<ref name="Okawa PSO">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/uncategorised/behind-the-scenes-phantasy-star-online/ |title=Behind The Scenes: Phantasy Star Online |work=[[GamesTM]] |access-date=October 24, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021063050/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/uncategorised/behind-the-scenes-phantasy-star-online/ |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |date=February 16, 2011}}</ref> Prior to the launch of SegaNet, Sega had already offered a $200 rebate to any Dreamcast owner who purchased two years of internet access from Sega.com.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thurrot |first=Paul |date=April 4, 2000 |title=Sega unveils plans for free Dreamcast, online gaming |url=http://windowsitpro.com/windows-server/sega-unveils-plans-free-dreamcast-online-gaming |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031032052/http://windowsitpro.com/windows-server/sega-unveils-plans-free-dreamcast-online-gaming |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |work=Windows IT Pro}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega+Announces+Formation+of+New+Company%2c+Sega.com%2c+Inc.%3b+Offers...-a061234970|title=Sega Announces Formation of New Company, Sega.com, Inc.; Offers Rebate On Sega Dreamcast Hardware for SegaNet ISP Subscribers|work=BusinessWire|date=April 4, 2000|access-date=December 3, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209052348/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega+Announces+Formation+of+New+Company%2c+Sega.com%2c+Inc.%3b+Offers...-a061234970|archive-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> To increase SegaNet's appeal in the US, Sega dropped the price of the Dreamcast to {{US$|long=no|149}} (compared to the PS2's US launch price of {{US$|long=no|299}}) and offered a rebate for the full {{US$|long=no|149}} price of a Dreamcast, and a free Dreamcast keyboard, with every 18-month SegaNet subscription.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" /><ref name="SegaNet launch" />{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=579}}

=== Decline ===
Moore said that the Dreamcast would need to sell 5 million units in the US by the end of 2000 to remain a viable platform; Sega fell short of this goal, with some 3 million units sold.<ref name="businessweek.com" />{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=581, 588}} Moreover, Sega's attempts to spur increased Dreamcast sales through lower prices and cash rebates caused escalating financial losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/techreviews/games/2001-01-23-dreamcast.htm |title=Dreamcast may be discontinued, Sega says |work=[[USA Today]] |date=January 24, 2001 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225010445/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/techreviews/games/2001-01-23-dreamcast.htm |archive-date=December 25, 2014}}</ref> Instead of an expected profit, for the six months ending September 2000, Sega posted a {{¥|17.98 billion}} ({{US$|long=no|163.11 million}}) loss, with a projected year-end loss of {{¥|23.6 billion}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Tony |date=November 24, 2000 |title=Sega full-year loss to widen |work=[[The Register]] |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/11/24/sega_fullyear_loss_to_widen/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111081410/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/11/24/sega_fullyear_loss_to_widen/ |archive-date=November 11, 2013}}</ref> This estimate more than doubled to {{¥|58.3 billion}},<ref name="Financial statement">{{cite web |date=February 1, 2001 |title=Sega Issues Financial Statement |url=https://ign.com/articles/2001/02/02/sega-issues-financial-statement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208064813/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/02/sega-issues-financial-statement |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |access-date=December 5, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and in March 2001, Sega posted a consolidated net loss of {{¥|51.7 billion}} ({{US$|long=no|417.5 million}}).<ref>{{cite web |date=August 2001 |title=Sega Corporation Annual Report 2001 |url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_archive/2001/e_sega_annual_tuuki_2001.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924100120/http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_archive/2001/e_sega_annual_tuuki_2001.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |publisher=[[Sega]] |page=22}}</ref> While the PS2's October 26 US launch was marred by shortages, this did not benefit the Dreamcast as much as expected; many consumers continued to wait for a PS2, while the [[PSOne|PSone]], a remodeled version of the original PlayStation, became the bestselling console in the US at the start of the 2000 holiday season.<ref name="businessweek.com" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Becker |first=David |date=December 5, 2000 |title=Old PlayStation tops holiday game console sales |url=http://news.cnet.com/Old-PlayStation-tops-holiday-game-console-sales/2100-1040_3-249457.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031031819/http://news.cnet.com/Old-PlayStation-tops-holiday-game-console-sales/2100-1040_3-249457.html |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=[[CNET|CNET News]] |publisher=}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=585–588}} According to Moore, "The PlayStation 2 effect that we were relying upon did not work for us... People will hang on for as long as possible... What effectively happened is the PlayStation 2 lack of availability froze the marketplace."{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=588}} Eventually, Sony and Nintendo held 50 and 35 percent of the US video game market, while Sega held only 15 percent.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" /> According to Bellfield, Dreamcast software sold at an 8-to-1 ratio with the hardware, but the small install base meant this did not produce enough revenue to keep it viable.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=585}} During the course of 2000, the PlayStation had sold five times more than Dreamcast despite being five year old hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-01-24 |title=Sega console fading fast (12/21/2000) |url=http://www0.mercurycenter.com/business/top/037940.htm |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Mercury Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010124075700/http://www0.mercurycenter.com/business/top/037940.htm |archive-date=January 24, 2001 }}</ref>{{Quote box
| quote = We had a tremendous 18 months. Dreamcast was on fire - we really thought that we could do it. But then we had a target from Japan that said we had to make x hundreds of millions of dollars by the holiday season and shift x millions of units of hardware, otherwise, we just couldn't sustain the business. Somehow I got to make that call, not the Japanese. I had to fire a lot of people; it was not a pleasant day. So on {{nowrap|January 31st 2001}} we said Sega is leaving hardware. We were selling 50,000 units a day, then 60,000, then 100,000, but it was just not going to be enough to get the critical mass to take on the launch of PS2. It was a big stakes game. Sega had the option of pouring in more money and going bankrupt and they decided they wanted to live to fight another day.
| source = —Peter Moore, on the Dreamcast's discontinuation<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|last=Stuart |first=Keith |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2008/sep/11/gamesinterviews.microsoft1 |title=Peter Moore Interview: Part One |newspaper=The Guardian |date=September 15, 2008 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209163957/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2008/sep/11/gamesinterviews.microsoft1 |archive-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref>
| width = 30em
}}

On May 22, 2000, Okawa replaced Irimajiri as president of Sega.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=581–582}} Okawa had long advocated that Sega abandon the console business.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=577, 582}} His sentiments were not unique; Sega co-founder [[David Rosen (businessman)|David Rosen]] had "always felt it was a bit of a folly for them to be limiting their potential to Sega hardware", and Stolar had suggested Sega should have sold their company to Microsoft.<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /><ref name="Rosen">{{cite magazine |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |author-link= |date=April 2001 |title=A Few Words on Sega, From the Founder |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher= |volume=3 |issue=4 |page=9 |ref=none<!--this may be undone, but note that this will cause a harv citation error-->}}</ref> In September 2000, in a meeting with Sega's Japanese executives and the heads of the company's major Japanese game development studios, Moore and Bellfield recommended that Sega abandon its console business and focus on software, prompting the studio heads to walk out.<ref name="gamasutra1" />

Amid speculation and rumors, Sega executives denied to the media that it would leave the console hardware business.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-01-25 |title=dreamcast.ign.com: Sega Sinks Console Efforts? |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/30435.html |access-date=2024-08-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010125051600/http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/30435.html |archive-date=January 25, 2001 }}</ref> Nevertheless, on January 31, 2001, Sega announced the discontinuation of the Dreamcast after March 31 and the restructuring of the company as a "platform-agnostic" third-party developer,{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=588–589}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Shahed |date=January 31, 2001 |title=Sega announces drastic restructuring |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-drastic-restructuring/1100-2680518/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510200945/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-drastic-restructuring/1100-2680518/ |archive-date=May 10, 2015 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> although with continued Dreamcast software support for some time.<ref name=":4" /> Sega also announced a price reduction to {{US$|long=no|99}} to eliminate its unsold inventory, which was estimated at 930,000 units as of April 2001.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 23, 2001 |title=Revisions to Annual Results Forecasts |url=https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/release/pdf/past/sega/2002/20011030.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726015556/https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/release/pdf/past/sega/2002/20011030.pdf |archive-date=July 26, 2015 |access-date=November 4, 2015 |publisher=[[Sega]] |page=4}}</ref><ref name="Pulls plug">{{cite magazine |date=April 2001 |title=Sega pulls plug on Dreamcast |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher= |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=7–9}}</ref> After a further reduction to $79, the Dreamcast was cleared out of stores at {{US$|long=no|49.95}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Shahed |date=November 21, 2001 |title=Sega drops Dreamcast price again |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-drops-dreamcast-price-again/1100-2826685/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102005656/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-drops-dreamcast-price-again/1100-2826685/ |archive-date=November 2, 2015 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Sega Ships the "Dreamlast"|magazine=[[GamePro]]|volume=14|issue=162|date=March 2002|page=30}}</ref> The final Dreamcast unit manufactured was autographed by the heads of all nine of Sega's internal game development studios, plus the heads of Visual Concepts and Sega's sound studio Wave Master, and given away with all 55 first-party Dreamcast games through a competition organized by ''[[GamePro]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 2002 |title=Dreamcast Collector's Edition Giveaway |magazine=[[GamePro]] |volume=14 |issue=163 |page=117}}</ref> Okawa, who had previously loaned Sega {{US$|long=no|500 million}} in 1999, died on March 16, 2001; shortly before his death, he forgave Sega's debts to him and returned his {{US$|long=no|695 million}} worth of Sega and CSK stock, helping Sega survive the transition to third-party development.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=582, 589}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Stout |first=Kristie Lu |date=March 19, 2001 |title=Late Sega exec leaves legacy, new leadership |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/asia/03/18/tokyo.okawalegacy/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330062832/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/asia/03/18/tokyo.okawalegacy/index.html |archive-date=March 30, 2014 |access-date=October 31, 2014 |website=[[CNN]] |publisher=}}</ref> As part of this restructuring, nearly one third of Sega's Tokyo workforce was laid off in 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 31, 2007 |title=Sega: The Blue Sky Company |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/sega-blue-sky-company/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129025823/http://www.edge-online.com/features/sega-blue-sky-company/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref>

=== Aftermath and reaction ===
9.13 million<!-- Do NOT change to "10.6 million"; see talk page on the overall sales number --> Dreamcast units were sold worldwide.<ref name="Routledge" /> Despite the discontinuation of Dreamcast hardware, Sega continued to support the system and had stated that more than 30 new titles were confirmed for release for the remainder of 2001.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2001-02-01 |title=dreamcast.ign.com: The Death of Dreamcast: Sega Confirms Price Drop, Inventory Reduction, and More |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/30854.html |access-date=2024-08-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010201080800/http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/30854.html |archive-date=February 1, 2001 }}</ref> In the United States, official game releases continued until the end of the first half of 2002.<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /> Sega continued to repair Dreamcast units until September 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 2, 2007 |title=Death of the Dreamcast Official |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/death-dreamcast-official/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204232812/http://www.edge-online.com/news/death-dreamcast-official/ |archive-date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-04-02-sega-planning-to-cut-remaining-dreamcast-and-saturn-support.html|title=Sega planning to cut remaining Dreamcast and Saturn support|publisher=Engadget|author=Ludwig Kietzmann|language=Swedish|date=2 April 2007|accessdate=2 August 2025}}</ref> Many hardware developers that worked on the Dreamcast also joined [[pachinko]] and [[Slot machine|pachislot]] company [[Sammy Corporation]], who soon merged with Sega. Hideki Sato pushed for leftover Dreamcast parts being used as displays in the machines that Sammy develops, including the very successful ''[[Fist of the North Star#Pachinko|Fist of the North Star]]'' pachinko machines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-21 |title=『Beep21』2つのセガサターン最初のモックアップを本邦初公開！ 真・セガハード列伝─セガサターンデザイン秘話【前編】｜Beep21 |url=https://note.com/beep21/n/n0f7ca2dc6f32 |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=note（ノート） |language=ja}}</ref> 

After five consecutive years of financial losses, Sega finally posted a profit for the fiscal year ending March 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sega Corporation Annual Report 2004 |url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/pdf/ir/kako/sega_AR_all_2004.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5mHPmG7gs?url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/pdf/ir/kako/sega_AR_all_2004.pdf |archive-date=December 25, 2009 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |publisher=[[Sega]] |page=2}}</ref>

The announcement of Sega's exit from hardware was met with enthusiasm. According to ''IGN''{{'}}s Travis Fahs, "Sega was a creatively fertile company with a rapidly expanding stable of properties to draw from. It seemed like they were in a perfect position to start a new life as a developer/publisher."<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /> Former [[Working Designs]] president Victor Ireland wrote, "It's actually a good thing&nbsp;... because now Sega will survive, doing what they do best: software."<ref name="Dreamcast memorial" /> The staff of ''[[Newsweek]]'' wrote that "from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'' to ''[[Shenmue]]'', Sega's programmers have produced some of the most engaging experiences in the history of interactive media&nbsp;... Unshackled by a struggling console platform, this platoon of world-class software developers can do what they do best for any machine on the market."<ref>{{cite web |date=January 30, 2001 |title=Sega Gets Hip to Reality |url=http://www.newsweek.com/sega-gets-hip-reality-150639 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218093630/http://www.newsweek.com/sega-gets-hip-reality-150639 |archive-date=February 18, 2015 |access-date=February 16, 2015 |work=[[Newsweek]]}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'', commenting on Sega's tendency to produce under-appreciated [[cult classics]], wrote: "Let us rejoice in the fact that Sega is making games equally among the current console crop, so that history will not repeat itself."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Classic Reviews: Burning Rangers|magazine=Game Informer|issue=110|volume=12|date=June 2002|page=104}}</ref>

== Technical specifications ==
=== Hardware ===
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Sega-Dreamcast-Internals.jpg
| width1 = 200
| image2 = Sega-Dreamcast-Motherboard-Top.jpg
| width2 = 178
| footer = Internal view of a Dreamcast console including optical drive, power supply, controller ports, and cooling fan. Isolated [[motherboard]].
}}
[[File:NEC - VideoLogic@250nm@PowerVR Series2@CLX2@Dreamcast@315-6225 9852PX430 DSCx4 polysilicon@5x.jpg|thumb|Die shot of the Dreamcast's ASIC]]
The Dreamcast measures {{convert|190|x|195.8|x|75.5|mm|in|abbr=on}} and weighs {{convert|1.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="EGM115"/> Its main [[CPU]] is a two-way 360 [[Instructions per second|MIPS]] [[superscalar]] Hitachi [[SuperH|SH-4]] [[32-bit]] [[RISC]],<ref name="Unified" /><ref>{{cite web |date=September 12, 2002 |title=SH-4 CPU Core Architecture |url=https://www.st.com/resource/en/user_manual/cd00147165-sh-4-32-bit-cpu-core-architecture-stmicroelectronics.pdf |publisher=[[STMicroelectronics]] and [[Hitachi]] |page=15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024121355/https://www.st.com/resource/en/user_manual/cd00147165-sh-4-32-bit-cpu-core-architecture-stmicroelectronics.pdf |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> clocked at 200&nbsp;MHz with an 8 [[Kilobyte|kB]] [[CPU cache|instruction cache]] and 16&nbsp;kB data cache and a 128-bit graphics-oriented [[floating-point unit]] delivering 1.4 [[GigaFLOPS|GFLOPS]].<ref name="Unified"/> Its 100&nbsp;MHz [[PowerVR#Series2 (NEC)|NEC PowerVR2]] rendering engine, integrated with the [[Application-specific integrated circuit|ASIC]], can draw more than 3 million [[polygon]]s per second<ref name="EGM115"/> and use [[deferred shading]].<ref name="Unified"/> Sega estimated the Dreamcast's theoretical rendering capability at 7 million raw polygons per second, or 6 million with textures and lighting, but noted that "game logic and physics reduce peak graphic performance".<ref name="Unified"/>

Graphical hardware effects include [[trilinear filtering]], [[gouraud shading]], [[z-buffering]], [[spatial anti-aliasing]], [[Order-independent transparency|per-pixel translucency sorting]] and [[bump mapping]].<ref name="Unified" /><ref name="EGM115" /> The Dreamcast can [[Color depth|output]] approximately [[24-bit color|16.77 million colors]] simultaneously and displays [[Interlaced video|interlaced]] or [[progressive scan]] video at 640&nbsp;×&nbsp;480 [[video resolution]].<ref name="EGM115" /> Its 67&nbsp;MHz Yamaha AICA<ref name="NextGen211" /> sound processor, with a 32-bit [[ARM architecture|ARM7]] RISC CPU core, can generate 64 voices with [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]] or [[Adaptive differential pulse-code modulation|ADPCM]], providing ten times the performance of the Saturn's sound system.<ref name="Unified" /> The Dreamcast has 16 [[Megabyte|MB]] main RAM, along with an additional 8&nbsp;MB of RAM for graphic textures and 2&nbsp;MB of RAM for sound.<ref name="Unified" /><ref name="EGM115" /> It reads media using a 12× speed Yamaha [[GD-ROM]] drive.<ref name="EGM115" /> In addition to Windows CE, the Dreamcast supports several Sega and [[middleware]] [[application programming interface]]s.<ref name="Unified" />

The Dreamcast can supply video through several accessories including [[RCA connector|A/V cables]], [[RF modulator]] connectors [[S-Video]] cables and [[SCART]]. A [[Dreamcast VGA|VGA adapter]] allows Dreamcast to connect on [[visual display unit|computer displays]] or [[enhanced-definition television]] sets in [[480p]].<ref name="NextGen211" />

=== Models ===
[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Sports-Black-Console.jpg|thumb|The limited-edition black "Sega Sports" model]]
[[File:Fuji Divers 2000 series CX-1 Dreamcast 08.jpg|thumb|The Divers 2000 CX-1 is a special edition of the Dreamcast that was built into a television set.]]
Sega constructed numerous Dreamcast models, most of which were exclusive to Japan. The R7, a refurbished Dreamcast, was originally used as a network console in Japanese pachinko parlors. Another model, the Divers 2000 CX-1, is shaped similarly to Sonic's head and includes a television and software for teleconferencing. A ''[[Hello Kitty]]'' version, limited to 2000 units, was targeted at female gamers in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=consolevariations |date=2023-06-25 |title=Sega Dreamcast Hello Kitty Pink Console |url=https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/sega-dreamcast-hello-kitty-pink-console |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Consolevariations |language=en}}</ref> Special editions were created for ''Seaman''<ref>{{cite web |date=June 15, 1999 |title=Model:SEAMAN |url=http://sega.jp/corp/release/1999/0615/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802174716/http://sega.jp/corp/release/1999/0615/ |archive-date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=October 15, 2014 |publisher=[[Sega]] |language=ja}}</ref> and ''[[Resident Evil – Code: Veronica]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 6, 1999 |title=Dreamcast CODE:Veronica |url=http://sega.jp/corp/release/1999/1206/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802174723/http://sega.jp/corp/release/1999/1206/ |archive-date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=October 15, 2014 |publisher=[[Sega]] |language=ja}}</ref> Color variations were sold through the Dreamcast Direct service in Japan.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Dreamcast Direct |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/daily/2000/m06/d27/n03.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110043426/http://www.famitsu.com/game/daily/2000/m06/d27/n03.html |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=October 15, 2014 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher= |language=ja}}</ref> [[Toyota]] also offered special Dreamcast units at 160 of its dealers in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 28, 1999 |title=Toyota to market Sega's Dreamcast |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Toyota+to+market+Sega%27s+Dreamcast%2B.-a053901141 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802174713/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Toyota+to+market+Sega%27s+Dreamcast+.-a053901141 |archive-date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=October 15, 2014 |website=Kyodo News International, Inc. |publisher= |via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref> In North America, a limited edition black Dreamcast was released with a Sega Sports logo on the lid, which included matching Sega Sports-branded black controllers and two games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Justice |first=Brandon |date=June 29, 2000 |title=Sega Reveals Details on Sega Sports Pack |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/06/30/sega-reveals-details-on-sega-sports-pack |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121071621/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/30/sega-reveals-details-on-sega-sports-pack |archive-date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=October 15, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

=== Controllers and accessories ===
[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Cont-n-VMU.jpg|thumb|The Dreamcast controller has two dock connectors for use with multiple accessories, like the [[VMU]].]]
[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Mouse-BL.jpg|thumb|upright|Dreamcast mouse accessory]]
The Dreamcast has four ports for controller inputs, and was sold with one controller. The controller is based on the [[Nights Into Dreams...#Release|Saturn 3D controller]] and includes an analog stick, a [[D-pad]], four action buttons, start button and two analog triggers.<ref name="NextGen211"/> It received mostly negative reviews from critics; ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' described it as "an ugly evolution of Saturn's 3D controller",<ref name="Edge20"/> and was called "[not] that great" by ''1Up.com''{{'}}s Sam Kennedy<ref name="360 will succeed">{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |title=Dreamcast 2.0: 10 reasons why the Xbox 360 will succeed where the Dreamcast failed |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3145154 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208064454/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3145154 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |website=[[1Up.com]]}}</ref> and "lame" by ''Game Informer''{{'}}s Andy McNamara.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 28, 1999 |title=''Marvel Vs. Capcom''-Dreamcast |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4233 |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001025165615/http://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4233 |archive-date=October 25, 2000 |access-date=November 28, 2014}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' wrote that "unlike most controllers, Sega's pad forces the user's hands into an uncomfortable parallel position".<ref>{{cite web |date=January 5, 2001 |title=The Xbox Controller |url=https://ign.com/articles/2001/01/06/the-xbox-controller |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105024234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/06/the-xbox-controller |archive-date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Both the analog joystick and triggers uniquely used [[Hall effect sensor|Hall effect sensors]], which requires less calibration and leads to fewer issues with [[Analog stick#Neutral position and drifting|joystick drift]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dreamcast to JAMMA Project |url=https://pc2jamma.mameworld.info/arc_dc4.html |access-date=November 24, 2022 |website=pc2jamma.mameworld.info |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124215855/https://pc2jamma.mameworld.info/arc_dc4.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside the Dualshock 3 controller {{!}} Web Portal for Benjamin J Heckendorn |date=March 22, 2008 |url=https://www.benheck.com/inside-the-dualshock-3-controller/ |access-date=November 24, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124215855/https://www.benheck.com/inside-the-dualshock-3-controller/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Amos |first=Evan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-KAiEAAAQBAJ&q=hall+effect&pg=PA195 |title=The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox |date=September 8, 2021 |publisher=No Starch Press |isbn=978-1-7185-0061-7 |language=en |access-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125155144/https://books.google.com/books?id=-KAiEAAAQBAJ&q=hall%20effect&pg=PA195 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Various third-party controllers, from companies such as [[Mad Catz]], include additional buttons and other features;<ref name="NextGen211"/> third parties also manufactured arcade-style joysticks for fighting games, such as Agetech's Arcade Stick and Interact's Alloy Arcade Stick.<ref name="NextGen211"/><ref name="BW Peripherals">{{cite web |date=September 2, 1999 |title=Sega Dreamcast Launch Titles and Peripherals |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega+Dreamcast+Launch+Titles+and+Peripherals.-a055638174 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207174909/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega+Dreamcast+Launch+Titles+and+Peripherals.-a055638174 |archive-date=December 7, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |work=BusinessWire}}</ref> Mad Catz and Agetec created racing wheels for racing games.<ref name="NextGen211"/> Sega did not release its official [[light gun]]s in the US,<ref name="NextGen211">{{cite magazine |date=September 1999 |title=Dreamcast Arrives! |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher= |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=51–57}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chau |first=Anthony |date=May 23, 2001 |title=''Confidential Mission'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/2001/05/23/confidential-mission |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207112421/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/23/confidential-mission |archive-date=December 7, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |quote=Unfortunately, if you have the Japanese DC light gun, ''[[Confidential Mission]]'' will only work with US third party light guns.}}</ref> but some third party light guns were available.<ref name="NextGen211"/> The Dreamcast supports a Sega fishing "reel and rod" [[motion controller]] and a keyboard for text entry.<ref name="NextGen211"/><ref name="Soothsayer">{{cite web |last=Redsell |first=Adam |date=May 20, 2012 |title=Sega: A Soothsayer of the Games Industry |url=https://ign.com/articles/2012/05/20/sega-a-soothsayer-of-the-games-industry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012022048/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/20/sega-a-soothsayer-of-the-games-industry |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Although it was designed for fishing games such as ''[[Sega Bass Fishing]]'',<ref name="BW Peripherals"/> ''Soulcalibur'' is playable with the fishing controller, which translates vertical and horizontal movements into on-screen swordplay; ''IGN'' cited it as a predecessor to the [[Wii Remote]].<ref name="Soothsayer"/> The Japanese Dreamcast port of Sega's ''[[Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram]]'' supported a "Twin Sticks" peripheral, but its American publisher, [[Activision]], opted not to release it in the US.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=June 5, 2000 |title=''Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/06/06/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207112920/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/06/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram |archive-date=December 7, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> The Dreamcast can connect to [[SNK Playmore|SNK]]'s [[Neo Geo Pocket Color]], predating Nintendo's [[GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable]].<ref name="Dreamcast memorial"/>

In most regions, the Dreamcast includes a removable modem for online connectivity, which is modular for future upgrades.<ref name="Unified" /> In Brazil, due to the high price of the console, the modem was sold separately.<ref name="dreamcast_jogo">{{cite news |last=Oliveira |first=Otavio Dias de |date=September 11, 1999 |title=Sega Dreamcast estoura nas lojas |language=pt |volume=79 |pages=5–3 |newspaper=Folha de S.Paulo |publisher=Grupo Folha |issue=25728 |location=São Paulo |url=http://acervo2.folha.com.br/2/19/9/61/610919/1024/610919.png |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194536/http://acervo2.folha.com.br/2/19/9/61/610919/1024/610919.png |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |issn=1414-5723}}</ref> The original Japanese model and all PAL models have a transfer rate of 33.6&nbsp;kbit/s, and consoles sold in the US and in Japan after September 9, 1999, feature a [[56&nbsp;kbit/s line|56&nbsp;kbit/s]] dial-up modem.<ref>{{cite book |last=Carless |first=Simon |title=Gaming Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools |publisher=[[O'Reilly Media]] |year=2004 |isbn=978-0596007140 |page=198}}</ref> Broadband service was enabled through the later release of a broadband accessory in 2000 in Japan,<ref name=":62">{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Martyn |date=June 12, 2000 |title=Sega to launch broadband service in Japan |publisher=[[CNN]] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/06/12/sega.broadband.idg/index.html |access-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626124624/https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/06/12/sega.broadband.idg/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and early 2001 in the US.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=January 4, 2001 |title=Dreamcast Broadband Adapter Will Be Available Online |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcast-broadband-adapter-will-be-available-online/1100-2671025/ |access-date=June 22, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |language=en-US |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626232205/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcast-broadband-adapter-will-be-available-online/1100-2671025/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Shahed |date=January 11, 2001 |title=Sega Releases the Dreamcast Broadband Adapter |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-releases-the-dreamcast-broadband-adapter/1100-2673469/ |access-date=June 23, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |language=en-US |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626114941/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-releases-the-dreamcast-broadband-adapter/1100-2673469/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last=Olafson |first=Peter |date=January 25, 2001 |title=NEWS WATCH; Faster Modem Makes Gamers Quicker on the Trigger |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/25/technology/news-watch-faster-modem-makes-gamers-quicker-on-the-trigger.html |access-date=June 23, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626140919/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/25/technology/news-watch-faster-modem-makes-gamers-quicker-on-the-trigger.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Sega also produced the Dreameye, a digital camera that could be connected to the Dreamcast and used to exchange pictures and participate in [[Videotelephony|video chat]] over the internet. Sega hoped developers would use the Dreameye for future software, as some later did with Sony's similar [[EyeToy]] peripheral.<ref name="Avant-Garde" /><ref>{{cite web |date=March 6, 2000 |title=IGNDC Talks Dreameye with Sega |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/03/07/igndc-talks-dreameye-with-sega |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207112545/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/07/igndc-talks-dreameye-with-sega |archive-date=December 7, 2014 |access-date=December 1, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> In addition, Sega investigated systems that would have allowed users to make telephone calls with the Dreamcast, and discussed with [[Motorola]] the development of an internet-enabled cell phone that would use technology from the console to enable quick downloads of games and other data.<ref name="Avant-Garde">{{cite journal|last1=Montfort|first1=Nick|last2=Consalvo|first2=Mia|title=The Dreamcast, Console of the Avant-Garde|journal=Loading... The Journal of the Canadian Game Studies Association|volume=6|number=9|pages=82–99}}</ref>

=== Storage ===
{{Main|VMU}}
In contrast to the Sega CD and Sega Saturn, which included internal backup memory,<ref name="Soothsayer" /> the Dreamcast uses a 128 kbyte [[memory card]], the [[VMU]], for data storage.<ref name="IGN VMU">{{cite web |date=August 13, 1999 |title=Dreamcast VMU |url=https://ign.com/articles/1999/08/14/dreamcast-vmu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105023644/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/14/dreamcast-vmu |archive-date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name="Unified" /> The VMU features a small [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]] screen, audio output from a one-channel [[Pulse-width modulation|PWM]] sound source,<ref name="Vintage">{{cite book |last1=Loguidice |first1=Bill |title=Vintage Game Consoles: An Inside Look at Apple, Atari, Commodore, Nintendo, and the Greatest Gaming Platforms of All Time |last2=Barton |first2=Matt |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |year=2014 |isbn=978-0415856003 |location=Boca Raton, Florida |page=278}}</ref> [[non-volatile memory]], a D-pad and four buttons.<ref name="Unified" /><ref name="Vintage" /><ref name="BW Peripherals" /> The VMU can present game information, be used as a minimal handheld gaming device,<ref name="Avant-Garde" /> and connect to certain Sega arcade machines.<ref name="Unified" /><ref name="Soothsayer" /><ref name="IGN VMU" /> For example, players use the VMU to call plays in ''NFL 2K'' or raise virtual pets in ''Sonic Adventure''.<ref name="Soothsayer" /><ref name="GS 2K Retro">{{cite web |last=Ekberg |first=Brian |date=August 2, 2005 |title=GameSpot Sports Classic - ''NFL 2K'' |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-sports-classic-nfl-2k/1100-6130024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129041115/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-sports-classic-nfl-2k/1100-6130024/ |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

Sega officials noted that the VMU could be used "as a private viewing area, the absence of which has prevented effective implementation of many types of games in the past".<ref name="Unified" /> After a VMU slot was incorporated into the controller's design, Sega's engineers found many additional uses for it, so a second slot was added.<ref name="Unified" /> It is generally for vibration packs providing [[Haptic technology|force feedback]],<ref name="Vintage" /> such as Sega's "Jump Pack"<ref name="BW Peripherals" /> and Performance's "Tremor Pack";<ref name="NextGen211" /> it can be used for peripherals including a microphone, enabling voice control and player communication.<ref name="Unified" /> Various third-party cards provide storage, and some contain the LCD screen addition.<ref name="NextGen211" /> [[LenovoEMC|Iomega]] announced a Dreamcast-compatible [[zip drive]] storing up to {{nowrap|100 MB}} on removable discs,<ref name="NextGen211" /> but it was never released.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" />

== Software ==

=== Game library ===
{{See also|List of Dreamcast games}}

The Dreamcast library consists of over 600 games across all regions,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 25, 2002 |title=Directory |magazine=Dreamcast Magazine |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |issue=34 |pages=90–96}}</ref> in GD-ROM format.<ref name="EGM115" /> It uses [[regional lockout]], only playing games released within its predetermined region; however, this is circumventable via [[modchip]] installation, boot discs, or cheat discs such as [[Datel]]'s [[Action Replay]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Carless |first1=Simon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrqz84QUuSEC&pg=PA195 |title=Gaming Hacks |date=2004 |publisher=[[O'Reilly Media]] |isbn=978-0-596-00714-0 |location=Sebastopol, CA |page=195 |language=en |author1-link=Simon Carless |access-date=June 18, 2021 |via=[[Google Books]] |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202658/https://books.google.com/books?id=zrqz84QUuSEC&pg=PA195 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |date=November 7, 2000 |title=DC-X for Dreamcast |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/08/dc-x-for-dreamcast |access-date=June 23, 2021 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203539/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/08/dc-x-for-dreamcast |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stuart |first1=Keith |date=May 23, 2016 |title=That time I was blacklisted by Sega while editing a Sega magazine |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-21-that-time-i-was-blacklisted-by-sega-while-editing-a-sega-magazine |access-date=June 18, 2021 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200855/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-21-that-time-i-was-blacklisted-by-sega-while-editing-a-sega-magazine |url-status=live }}</ref> In Japan, the Dreamcast was launched with ''[[Virtua Fighter 3#Virtua Fighter 3tb|Virtua Fighter 3tb]]'', ''[[Pen Pen TriIcelon]]'', ''[[Godzilla Generations]]'', and ''July''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1999 |title=Dreamcast: Day One |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/1a/Edge_UK_067.pdf |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |issue=67 |page=7 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209025736/https://retrocdn.net/images/1/1a/Edge_UK_067.pdf |archive-date=December 9, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> In North America, it launched with 19 games, including the highly anticipated ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'', and ''[[NFL 2K (video game)|NFL 2K]]''.{{efn|The full list of North American launch games includes ''[[AeroWings]]'', ''[[Airforce Delta (video game)|Airforce Delta]]'', ''[[Blue Stinger]]'', ''[[Millennium Soldier: Expendable|Expendable]]'', ''[[Flag to Flag]]'', ''[[The House of the Dead 2]]'', ''[[Hydro Thunder]]'', ''[[Monaco Grand Prix (video game)|Monaco Grand Prix]]'', ''[[Mortal Kombat Gold]]'', ''NFL 2K'', ''[[NFL Blitz 2000]]'', ''Pen Pen TriIcelon'', ''[[Power Stone (video game)|Power Stone]]'', ''[[Ready 2 Rumble Boxing]]'', ''Sonic Adventure'', ''Soulcalibur'', ''[[TNN Motorsports Hardcore Heat]]'', ''[[Tokyo Xtreme Racer (video game)|Tokyo Xtreme Racer]]'', and ''[[TrickStyle]]''.}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |date=September 10, 1999 |title=The Definitive Dreamcast Launch Game Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/11/the-definitive-dreamcast-launch-game-guide |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623183837/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/11/the-definitive-dreamcast-launch-game-guide |url-status=live }}</ref> In Europe, it was planned to launch with 10 games; this increased to 15 after the launch was delayed.{{efn|The full list of European launch games includes ''Blue Stinger'', ''[[Dynamite Cop]]'', ''[[Incoming (1998 video game)|Incoming]]'', ''[[Millennium Soldier: Expendable]]'', ''Monaco Grand Prix'', ''Pen Pen TriIcelon'', ''Power Stone'', ''Ready 2 Rumble Boxing'', ''[[Sega Rally 2]]'', ''Sonic Adventure'', ''[[Speed Devils]]'', ''TrickStyle'', ''[[Tokyo Xtreme Racer (video game)|Tokyo Highway Challenge]]'', ''[[Toy Commander]]'', and ''Virtua Fighter 3&nbsp;tb''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Langan |first1=Matthew |title=Top 10 European Dreamcast Titles Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/15/top-10-european-dreamcast-titles-revealed |access-date=July 5, 2021 |work=IGN |date=October 14, 1999 |language=en |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184243/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/15/top-10-european-dreamcast-titles-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Do you dare to dream? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/1999/oct/14/onlinesupplement |access-date=July 5, 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=October 13, 1999 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Europe new release date - IGN" />}}<ref name="Europe new release date - IGN">{{cite news |last1=Langan |first1=Matthew |date=September 2, 1999 |title=European Dreamcast Release Date Revealed |language=en |work=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/03/european-dreamcast-release-date-revealed |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203758/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/03/european-dreamcast-release-date-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> Licensed Dreamcast games were released until mid-2002 in the US.<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /> Some [[Indie game|indie developers]] continued to release games, such as 2007's [[Last Hope (video game)|''Last Hope'']], developed by the German studio [[NGDEV|NG:Dev.Team]].<ref name=":0" />

==== First-party games ====
[[File:Sonic Adventure screenshot.jpg|thumb|''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' is a significant Dreamcast game, as the first 3D platforming ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'' game.]]
In what has been called "a brief moment of remarkable creativity",<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast"/> in 2000, Sega restructured its arcade and console development teams into nine semi-autonomous studios headed by their top designers.<ref name="IGN's History of Sega"/><ref name="Dreamcast memorial"/>{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=577–578, 581}} Studios included [[United Game Artists]] (UGA), [[Sega AM3|Hitmaker]], [[Sega Sports R&D|Smilebit]], [[Overworks]], [[WOW Entertainment]], [[Amusement Vision]], [[Sega Rosso]], Wave Master, and [[Sonic Team]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |date=October 2000 |title=Sega's new beginning |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |issue=89 |pages=68–78}}</ref> while [[Sega AM2]] had been taken over earlier in the year by [[CSK Research Institute]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Sato |first=Yukiyoshi Ite |date=April 27, 2000 |title=New Management for Sega's AM2 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-management-for-segas-am2/1100-2447075/ |access-date=March 31, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> and became independent in 2001 as SEGA-AM2 Co., Ltd.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 1, 2001 |title=CSK Research Institute Becomes Sega-AM2 Co. Ltd. |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/91644/CSK_Research_Institute_Becomes_SegaAM2_Co_Ltd.php |access-date=March 31, 2020 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825052558/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/91644/CSK_Research_Institute_Becomes_SegaAM2_Co_Ltd.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sega's design studios were encouraged to experiment and benefited from a relatively lax approval process.<ref name="Avant-Garde" /> This resulted in games such as UGA's ''[[Rez (video game)|Rez]]'', an attempt to simulate [[synaesthesia]] in the form of a [[rail shooter]];<ref name="1UP Rez">{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |date=January 29, 2008 |title=''Rez'' HD (Xbox 360) |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3165700 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070516074722/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3165700 |archive-date=May 16, 2007 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=[[1Up.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 29, 2001 |title=''Rez'' Review |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/rez-review/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122131408/http://www.edge-online.com/review/rez-review/ |archive-date=November 22, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parkin |first=Simon |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/rez-hd-review |title=''Rez'' HD |work=[[Eurogamer]] |date=January 30, 2008 |access-date=October 24, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926120150/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/rez-hd-review |archive-date=September 26, 2014}}</ref> Wow's ''[[The Typing of the Dead]]'', a version of ''[[The House of the Dead 2]]'' remade into a [[touch typing]] trainer;<ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 2005 |title=Retro Reviews: Typing of the Dead |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |volume=15 |issue=150 |page=165 |quote=}}</ref><ref name="GI Top">{{cite magazine |date=February 2007 |title=From the Living Room to the Grave: Remembering the Top 10 Dreamcast Games |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |volume=16 |issue=166 |pages=116–117}}</ref>{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=415. "'I'm dating the head cheerleader', you might type while playing ''The Typing of the Dead'', before digressing into an extended discourse on health and safety measures or financial prudence"}} and Hitmaker's ''[[Segagaga]]'', a Japan-exclusive [[role-playing game]] in which players are tasked with preventing Sega from going out of business.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=July 21, 2008 |title=The Story of Sega's Oddest Game Ever |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/story-sega%C3%ADs-oddest-game-ever |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527150812/http://www.edge-online.com/features/story-sega%C3%ADs-oddest-game-ever |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=October 24, 2014 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref>

Sonic Team's ''Sonic Adventure'', the first fully 3D [[platform game]] starring Sega's mascot Sonic the Hedgehog, was considered the "centerpiece" of the Dreamcast launch.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /> At 2.5 million copies, it is the best-selling Dreamcast game.<ref name="IGNGreat" /><ref name="gssonic">{{cite web |author=Boutros, Daniel |date=August 4, 2006 |title=A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130268/a_detailed_crossexamination_of_.php?page=7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029191235/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130268/a_detailed_crossexamination_of_.php?page=7 |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |access-date=October 19, 2014 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref> Sonic Team also developed the Dreamcast's first online game—''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]''—which was praised for its addictive puzzle gameplay and "frantic" multiplayer matches,<ref name="Best GamesRadar">{{cite web |date=September 9, 2014 |title=Best Dreamcast games of all time |url=https://gamesradar.com/best-dreamcast-games-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306184353/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-dreamcast-games-all-time/ |archive-date=March 6, 2013 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Justice |first=Brandon |date=March 7, 2000 |title=''Chu Chu Rocket'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/03/08/chu-chu-rocket-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031030941/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/08/chu-chu-rocket-3 |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=IGN}} cf. {{cite magazine |author=Jay |date=May 2, 2000 |title=''Chu Chu Rocket''-Dreamcast |url=https://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4512 |url-status=dead |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001205110200/http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4512 |archive-date=December 5, 2000 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |quote=I consider it the best and most original puzzle game since ''[[Tetris]]''.}} cf.{{cite web |last=Nutt |first=Christian |date=December 13, 1999 |title=''ChuChu Rocket!'' Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/puzzle/chuchurocket/review.html? |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915212624/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/puzzle/chuchurocket/review.html |archive-date=September 15, 2009 |access-date=October 4, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref>{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=385}} and the critically successful music game ''[[Samba de Amigo]]'', which was noted for its expensive maracas peripheral and colorful aesthetic.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Samba de Amigo'' (Dreamcast) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/samba-de-amigo/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117132704/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/samba-de-amigo |archive-date=January 17, 2015 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=Metacritic}} cf. {{cite web |last=Justice |first=Brandon |date=October 18, 2000 |title=''Samba De Amigo'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/10/19/samba-de-amigo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104113115/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/19/samba-de-amigo |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=IGN}} cf. {{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=June 16, 2000 |title=''Samba De Amigo'' Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/samba-de-amigo-review/1900-2589601/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109125013/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/samba-de-amigo-review/1900-2589601/ |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref>{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=405}}<ref>For a negative review, see {{cite magazine |author=Reiner |date=December 2000 |title=''Samba de Amigo'' |magazine=Game Informer |volume=10 |issue=92 |page=124}} cf. {{cite magazine |date=February 2008 |title=Retro Reviews: ''Samba de Amigo'' |magazine=Game Informer |volume=18 |issue=178 |page=110}}</ref> Sonic Team's ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'', the first online console RPG, is considered a landmark game for refining and simplifying ''[[Diablo (video game)|Diablo]]''{{'}}s style of gameplay to appeal to console audiences.<ref name="Okawa PSO" />{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=435}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |title=The Decade That Was: Essential Newcomers: ''Phantasy Star Online'' |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3178082 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020055941/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3178082 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |website=1UP.com}} cf. {{cite magazine |last=Oestreicher |first=Jason |date=July 4, 2013 |title=Time Sinks-''Phantasy Star Online'' |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/themes/blogs/generic/post.aspx?WeblogApp=features&y=2013&m=07&d=05&WeblogPostID=3150706&GroupKeys= |url-status=dead |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305004007/http://www.gameinformer.com/themes/blogs/generic/post.aspx?WeblogApp=features&y=2013&m=07&d=05&WeblogPostID=3150706&GroupKeys= |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |quote=Certainly, by today's standards, it was rudimentary and repetitive. But at the same time, it was revolutionary.}} cf. {{cite web |date=June 15, 2014 |title=Retrospective: ''Phantasy Star Online'' |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-phantasy-star-online/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031406/http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-phantasy-star-online/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |work=Edge}}</ref>

UGA created the [[Music video game|music game]] ''[[Space Channel 5]]'' for a female casual audience;<ref name="GamaInterview">{{cite web |last=Cifaldi |first=Frank |date=May 20, 2005 |title=E3 Report: The Path to Creating AAA Games |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/e3-report-the-path-to-creating-aaa-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419113852/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2310/e3_report_the_path_to_creating_.php |archive-date=April 19, 2016 |access-date=November 30, 2015 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM TechWeb]]}}</ref> players help a female outer-space news reporter, Ulala, fight aliens with "groove energy" by dancing.{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=581}}{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=410}} Hitmaker's arcade ports include ''Crazy Taxi'', an [[open world|open-world]] arcade [[racing game]] known for its addictive gameplay with more than one million copies sold;<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /><ref name="GI Top" /> and ''[[Virtua Tennis]]'', which revitalized the tennis game genre.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /><ref>*{{cite magazine |last=Hegelson |first=Matt |date=September 2002 |title=''Tennis 2K2'' |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |volume=12 |issue=113 |page=81 |quote=}}

*{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Jeff |date=July 7, 2000 |title=''Virtua Tennis: Sega Professional Tennis'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/07/08/virtua-tennis-sega-professional-tennis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024093255/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/08/virtua-tennis-sega-professional-tennis |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |access-date=October 24, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}
*{{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=July 10, 2000 |title=''Virtua Tennis'' Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtua-tennis-review/1900-2601195/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218004029/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtua-tennis-review/1900-2601195/ |archive-date=February 18, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}
*{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=November 19, 2002 |title=''Virtua Tennis 2'' |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_virtuatennis2_ps2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104120351/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_virtuatennis2_ps2 |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |quote=}}
*{{cite web |title=''Virtua Tennis'' (Dreamcast) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/virtua-tennis/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117164425/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/virtua-tennis |archive-date=January 17, 2015 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref><ref name="GI Top 100">{{cite magazine |date=August 2001 |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |volume=11 |issue=100 |pages=22–41}}</ref> Smilebit's ''[[Jet Set Radio]]'', in which players control a Tokyo gang of rebellious [[Inline skating|inline skaters]], is cited as a major example of Sega's commitment to original concepts during the Dreamcast's lifespan.{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=431}}<ref name="Ingenito">{{cite web |last=Ingenito |first=Vince |date=September 17, 2012 |title=''Jet Set Radio'' Review |url=https://ign.com/articles/2012/09/17/jet-set-radio-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104114412/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/17/jet-set-radio-review |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |quote=}}</ref> ''Jet Set Radio'' also popularized [[Cel shading|cel shaded]] graphics,<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Leone |first=Matt |title=The Essential 50 Part 48: ''Jet Grind Radio'' |url=http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-jet-grind-radio |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140201013852/http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-jet-grind-radio |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=[[1Up.com]] |quote=}}</ref> though it failed to meet Sega's sales expectations.<ref name="Ingenito" /><ref>*{{cite web |last=Justice |first=Brandon |date=October 27, 2000 |title=''Jet Grind Radio'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/10/28/jet-grind-radio-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104113112/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/28/jet-grind-radio-3 |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |quote=}}
*{{cite magazine |author=Reiner |date=December 2000 |title=''Jet Set Radio'' |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |volume=10 |issue=92 |pages=116–117 |quote=}}
*{{cite web |last=Venter |first=Jason |date=September 17, 2012 |title=''Jet Set Radio'' Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jet-set-radio-review/1900-6396616/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218055653/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jet-set-radio-review/1900-6396616/ |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |access-date=November 26, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]] |quote=}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=587}} The [[role-playing game]] ''[[Skies of Arcadia]]'', developed by Overworks and produced by [[Rieko Kodama]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Thomason |first=Steve |date=January 2007 |title=Birth of a Hedgehog |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |volume=20 |issue=211 |page=71}}</ref> was acclaimed for its surreal [[Jules Verne]]-inspired fantasy world of floating islands and sky pirates, charming protagonists, exciting airship battles and memorable plot.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /><ref>*{{cite web |last=Chau |first=Anthony |date=November 14, 2000 |title=''Skies of Arcadia'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/2000/11/15/skies-of-arcadia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104114303/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/15/skies-of-arcadia |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}
*{{cite web |last=Shoemaker |first=Brad |date=October 16, 2000 |title=''Skies of Arcadia'' Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/skies-of-arcadia-review/1900-2641052/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123014431/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/skies-of-arcadia-review/1900-2641052/ |archive-date=November 23, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}
*{{cite magazine |author=Reiner |date= |title=''Skies of Arcadia Legends'' |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200302/R03.0730.1459.43940.htm?CS_pid=220263 |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051112171012/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200302/R03.0730.1459.43940.htm?CS_pid=220263 |archive-date=November 12, 2005 |access-date=November 4, 2014}}
*{{cite magazine |date=July 19, 2009 |title=Time Extend: ''Skies of Arcadia'' |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/time-extend-skies-arcadia/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110211143/http://www.edge-online.com/features/time-extend-skies-arcadia/ |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |quote=}}</ref>{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=438}}

AM2 developed what Sega hoped would be the Dreamcast's [[killer application|killer app]], ''[[Shenmue (video game)|Shenmue]]'', a "revenge epic in the tradition of [[Cinema of China|Chinese cinema]]",<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /><ref name="History">{{cite web |date=July 13, 1999 |title=''Shenmue'', the History |url=https://ign.com/articles/1999/07/14/shenmue-the-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030003504/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/14/shenmue-the-history |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> with a level of detail considered unprecedented for a video game.{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=406}} Incorporating a [[Simulation video game|simulated]] day-and-night cycle with variable weather, [[non-player character]]s with regular schedules, the ability to pick up and examine detailed objects, and introducing the [[quick-time event]] in its modern form,{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=406}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Lamosca |first=Adam |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/waypoints/1310-On-Screen-Help-In-Game-Hindrance |title=On-Screen Help, In-Game Hindrance |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |date=June 24, 2007 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502182342/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/waypoints/1310-On-Screen-Help-In-Game-Hindrance |archive-date=May 2, 2014}}</ref> ''Shenmue'' went over budget and was rumored to have cost Sega over $50 million.<ref name="Ages">{{cite web |last=Kolan |first=Patrick |date=August 7, 2007 |title=''Shenmue'': Through the Ages |url=https://ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/shenmue-through-the-ages |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104113911/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/shenmue-through-the-ages |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=406}}{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=578}} According to Moore, ''Shenmue'' sold "extremely well", but had no chance of making a profit due to the Dreamcast's limited installed base.{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=587, 578}}

Visual Concepts' ''[[NFL 2K]]'' football series and its ''[[NBA 2K (series)|NBA 2K]]'' basketball series were critically acclaimed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nfl-2k1/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |title=''NFL 2K1'' (Dreamcast) |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117164421/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/nfl-2k1 |archive-date=January 17, 2015}} cf. {{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nfl-2k2/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |title=''NFL 2K2'' (Dreamcast) |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910232551/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/nfl-2k2 |archive-date=September 10, 2014}} cf. {{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k1/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |title=''NBA 2K1'' (Dreamcast) |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117164423/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/nba-2k1 |archive-date=January 17, 2015}} cf. {{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k2/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |title=''NBA 2K2'' (Dreamcast) |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117164432/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/nba-2k2 |archive-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref> ''NFL 2K'' was considered an outstanding launch game for its high-quality visuals{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=565}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/best-launch-titles/1100-6134761/ |title=Best Launch Titles |website=GameSpot |date=September 30, 2005 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025042312/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/best-launch-titles/1100-6134761/ |archive-date=October 25, 2014}} cf. {{cite magazine|last=Kato|first=Matthew|title=Which Game Console Had the Best Launch Lineup? We Look Back to Find Out|magazine=Game Informer|volume=22|issue=226|date=February 2012|page=99}}</ref> and "insightful, context-friendly, and, yes, even funny [[Sports commentator|commentary]]",<ref name="GS 2K Retro"/> while ''NFL 2K1'' featured groundbreaking online multiplayer earlier than its chief competitor, EA's ''[[Madden NFL]]'' series.<ref name="gamasutra1"/><ref name="Forensic">{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Dan |date=January 2, 2009 |title=Dreamcast: A Forensic Retrospective |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/dreamcast-a-forensic-retrospective-article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015103108/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/dreamcast-a-forensic-retrospective-article |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref><ref name="GI Top 100"/> ''Madden'' and ''2K'' continued to compete on other platforms through 2004, with the ''2K'' series introducing innovations such as a [[First person (video games)|first person perspective]] new to the genre,<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Kato|author2=Reiner|title=''ESPN NFL Football''|magazine=Game Informer|volume=13|issue=125|date=September 2003|page=106|quote=''Madden'' has become a deeper simulation, but it hasn't evolved to the degree that Sega's title has. ''ESPN NFL Football'' is jam-packed with new features, innovative ideas, and must-see elements. First-person football sounds like a nightmare, but Sega figured out a way to make it work.}}</ref> and eventually launching ''[[ESPN NFL 2K5]]'' at the aggressively low price point of $19.95 until EA signed an exclusive agreement with the [[National Football League]], effectively putting every other pro-football game out of business.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bissell |first=Tom |url=http://grantland.com/features/tom-bissell-making-madden-nfl/ |title=Kickoff: ''Madden NFL'' and the Future of Video Game Sports |work=[[Grantland]] |date=January 26, 2012 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105105907/http://grantland.com/features/tom-bissell-making-madden-nfl/ |archive-date=November 5, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Feldman |first1=Curt |last2=Surette |first2=Tim |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/big-deal-ea-and-nfl-ink-exclusive-licensing-agreement/1100-6114977/ |title=Big Deal: EA and NFL ink exclusive licensing agreement |website=GameSpot |date=December 13, 2004 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113140107/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/big-deal-ea-and-nfl-ink-exclusive-licensing-agreement/1100-6114977/ |archive-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref> After Sega sold Visual Concepts for $24 million in 2005, the ''NBA 2K'' series continued with publisher [[Take-Two Interactive]].<ref name="Best GamesRadar"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050124006080/en/SEGA-Sells-Visual-Concepts-Entertainment-Take-Two-Interactive#.VFkr9vldVSQ |title=SEGA Sells Visual Concepts Entertainment to Take-Two Interactive |publisher=Businesswire |date=January 24, 2005 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923224421/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050124006080/en/SEGA-Sells-Visual-Concepts-Entertainment-Take-Two-Interactive |archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref> During the Dreamcast's lifespan, Visual Concepts also collaborated with the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' level designer [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]] on the action-adventure game ''[[Floigan Bros.]]''<ref>{{cite magazine|author=GI Staff|title=Sonic's Architect: GI Interviews Hirokazu Yasuhara|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|issue=124|volume=13|date=August 2003|page=116}} cf. {{cite magazine|author=Andy|title=''Floigan Bros.''|magazine=Game Informer|volume=11|issue=100|date=August 2001|page=101}}</ref> and developed the [[action game]] ''[[Ooga Booga]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ooga-booga/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |title=''Ooga Booga'' (Dreamcast) |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117164436/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/ooga-booga |archive-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref>

==== Ports and third-party games ====
Before the launch of the Dreamcast in Japan, Sega announced its [[List of Sega arcade system boards|NAOMI]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2015 |title=Hardware Classics: Sega Dreamcast |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/hardware_classics_sega_dreamcast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305004817/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/hardware_classics_sega_dreamcast |archive-date=March 5, 2021 |access-date=March 3, 2021 |website=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref> arcade board, a cheaper alternative to the [[Sega Model 3]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Ohbuchi |first=Yutaka |date=September 17, 1998 |title=How Naomi Got Its Groove On |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-naomi-got-its-groove-on/1100-2464869/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213728/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-naomi-got-its-groove-on/1100-2464869/ |archive-date=December 24, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> NAOMI shares the same technology as the Dreamcast, with twice as much system, video, and audio memory and a 160&nbsp;MB [[Flash memory|flash ROM board]] in place of a GD-ROM drive, allowing nearly identical [[Porting|home conversions]] of [[arcade game]]s.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /><ref name="Unified" /> Games were ported from NAOMI to the Dreamcast by several leading Japanese arcade companies, including [[Capcom]] and [[Namco]].<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /> The Dreamcast also used parts similar to those found in personal computers with Pentium II and [[Pentium III|III]] processors, allowing a handful of ports of [[PC games]].<ref>{{cite web |date=June 21, 1999 |title=The PC Predicament: An In-Depth Look at PC Ports on the Dreamcast |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/22/the-pc-predicament-an-in-depth-look-at-pc-ports-on-the-dreamcast |access-date=June 22, 2021 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203350/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/22/the-pc-predicament-an-in-depth-look-at-pc-ports-on-the-dreamcast |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 21, 1999 |title=The PC Predicament: Part 2 - Sega speaks on PC to Dreamcast development |url=https://dreamcast.ign.com/news/8528.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991010024757/https://dreamcast.ign.com/news/8528.html |archive-date=October 10, 1999 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |website=IGN}}</ref>

To appeal to the European market, Sega formed a French affiliate, [[No Cliché]], which developed games such as ''[[Toy Commander]]''.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /><ref>cf. {{cite magazine |date=October 25, 1999 |title=''Toy Commander''-Dreamcast |url=https://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4179 |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001203142900/http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4179 |archive-date=December 3, 2000 |access-date=October 24, 2014}} cf. {{cite web |last=Justice |first=Brandon |date=November 4, 1999 |title=''Toy Commander'' |url=https://ign.com/articles/1999/11/05/toy-commander |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024084840/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/05/toy-commander |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |access-date=October 24, 2014 |website=IGN}}</ref> Sega Europe also approached [[Bizarre Creations]] to develop the racing game ''[[Metropolis Street Racer]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 7, 2012 |title=The Making Of: ''Metropolis Street Racer'' |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-metropolis-street-racer/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105084730/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-metropolis-street-racer/ |archive-date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |work=Edge}}</ref> Although [[Acclaim Entertainment|Acclaim]], SNK, [[Ubisoft]], Midway, Activision, [[Infogrames]], and Capcom supported the Dreamcast during its first year,<ref name="gamasutra1" /> third-party support proved difficult to obtain due to the failure of the Sega Saturn and the profitability of publishing for the PlayStation.<ref name="RetroinspectionD" /> Namco's ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'', for example, was released for the Dreamcast because of the relative unpopularity of the ''[[Soul (series)|Soul]]'' series at the time; Namco's more successful ''[[Tekken (series)|Tekken]]'' franchise was associated with the PlayStation console and PlayStation-based arcade boards.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /> Capcom produced a number of fighting games for the Dreamcast, including the ''[[Power Stone (video game)|Power Stone]]'' series, and a temporarily exclusive<ref name="Dreamcast Dozen">{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Dan |date=January 2, 2009 |title=The Dreamcast Dozen |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-dreamcast-dozen-article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104120302/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-dreamcast-dozen-article |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> entry in the popular ''[[Resident Evil (series)|Resident Evil]]'' series, ''[[Resident Evil – Code: Veronica]]''.<ref name="Best GamesRadar" /><ref name="IGN Top 25">{{cite web |date=September 11, 2009 |title=The Top 25 Dreamcast Games |url=https://ign.com/articles/2009/09/11/the-top-25-dreamcast-games?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105061155/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/11/the-top-25-dreamcast-games?page=1 |archive-date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>{{sfn|Mott|2013|pages=421, 432–434}} The Dreamcast is known for several [[shoot 'em up]]s, most notably [[Treasure (company)|Treasure's]] ''[[Bangai-O]]'' and ''[[Ikaruga]]''.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast" /><ref name="Dreamcast Dozen" />{{sfn|Mott|2013|pages=382, 465}} Sega also revived franchises from the Genesis era, such as [[Appaloosa Interactive]]'s ''[[Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future|Ecco the Dolphin]]''.<ref name="gamasutra1" />

=== Network services ===
{{Main|Dreamcast online functionality#Online services}}
Dricas was an Internet service for Dreamcast consoles in Japan. The service launched the week of October 28, 1998, with its feature set expanded in the weeks preceding the Dreamcast's launch in Japan on November 27, 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ohbuchi |first=Yutaka |date=October 28, 1998 |title=Sega's Dricas Site Opens Up [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"] |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/segas-dricas-site-opens-up/1100-2465329/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990202201405/http://headline.gamespot.com:80/news/98_10/28_dricas/index.html |archive-date=February 2, 1999 |access-date=June 20, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Much of its infrastructure was developed by ISAO Corporation, which was [[Corporate spin-off|spun-off]] from Sega on November 26, 1999.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=社名変更のお知らせ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010123041200/http://www.isao.co.jp/release/1999_1126.html |publisher=ISAO Corporation |date=November 26, 2000 |language=ja |archive-date=January 23, 2001 |url=http://www.isao.co.jp/release/1999_1126.html |trans-title=Notice of company name change}}</ref> Its accompanying web browser, Dream Passport, provided the ability to connect via dial-up, browse the internet, receive and send e-mail, and chat with other users.<ref name="Dricas browser - IW">{{cite news |last1=Kamishima |first1=Masaaki |date=November 30, 1998 |title=メールやチャットも楽しめるDreamcastのインターネット機能 |language=ja |work=Internet Watch |publisher=Impress Corporation |url=https://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/www/article/981130/dricas.htm |access-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-date=April 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404135837/https://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/www/article/981130/dricas.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Dricas persisted until March 7, 2000, when the service was consolidated into ISAO's multi-platform online service, isao.net.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dricas.com |url=http://www.dricas.com/main/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000620051708/http://www.dricas.com/main/index.html |archive-date=June 20, 2000 |access-date=June 23, 2020 |website=Dricas}}</ref> Isao.net maintained online services and game servers for the Dreamcast until Sega ceased operation of the online servers for ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'', along with its [[GameCube]] port, on March 31, 2007.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=「PHANTASY STAR ONLINE」 ドリームキャスト版およびゲームキューブ版 終了記念キャンペーンに関するご案内 |date=February 8, 2007 |publisher=ISAO Corporation |url=http://www.isao.co.jp/cms/modules/bulletin/article.php?storyid=35 |archive-date=August 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810212459/http://www.isao.co.jp/cms/modules/bulletin/article.php?storyid=35 |trans-title=Information on "PHANTASY STAR ONLINE" Dreamcast Edition and GameCube Edition End Commemorative Campaign |language=ja}}</ref>

SegaNet was an Internet service for [[Dial-up access|dial-up]]-based [[Online game|online gaming]] on the Dreamcast in the United States. The service was created by Sega in collaboration with [[GTE]] through its GTE Internetworking division,<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Sega Announces Formation of New Company, Sega.com, Inc. |url=https://segaretro.org/Press_release:_2000-04-04:_Sega_Announces_Formation_of_New_Company,_Sega.com,_Inc. |date=April 4, 2000 |publisher=[[Sega]] |access-date=June 20, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626012711/https://segaretro.org/Press_release:_2000-04-04:_Sega_Announces_Formation_of_New_Company,_Sega.com,_Inc. |url-status=live }}</ref> later renamed [[Genuity (Internet company)|Genuity]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Pappalardo |first=Denise |date=April 10, 2000 |title=GTE, others play the name game |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iRcEAAAAMBAJ&q=genuity+dreamcast&pg=PA12 |magazine=Network World |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |volume=17 |issue=15 |page=12 |issn=0887-7661}}</ref> Sega announced a partnership with [[AT&T Corporation|AT&T]] on August 4, 1999, making the [[AT&T WorldNet]] service the preferred ISP for Dreamcast in the United States,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schiffmann |first1=William |date=August 4, 1999 |title=Sega, AT&T Unveil Dreamcast Pact |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/36ab6479c2c42cdf5b50d584e50add6d |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://apnews.com/article/36ab6479c2c42cdf5b50d584e50add6d |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Partyka |first1=Jeff |date=August 4, 1999 |title=Sega, AT&T to launch gaming portal |publisher=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9908/04/sega.att.idg/ |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413224116/http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9908/04/sega.att.idg/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 4, 1999 |title=Sega plans online link with AT&T |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/411568.stm |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222948/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/411568.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Oldham |first1=Jennifer |date=August 5, 1999 |title=Sega Shoots Ahead With Hot Console, AT&T; Online Pact |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-05-fi-62732-story.html |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222946/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-05-fi-62732-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and an agreement making [[Excite@Home]] as the exclusive portal partner for SegaNet.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martinson |first1=Jane |date=December 15, 1999 |title=Sega and Excite join forces |language=en |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/dec/15/efinance.internet1 |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/dec/15/efinance.internet1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Sam |date=February 17, 2000 |title=Sega Announces Excite Partnership |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-excite-partnership/1100-2440391/ |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-excite-partnership/1100-2440391/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 14, 1999 |title=Excite@Home Joins DC Network |language=en |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/excitehome-joins-dc-network |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/excitehome-joins-dc-network |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Microsoft]] participated somewhat in the development of the service, but they terminated their relationship with Sega just a few months before its launch over differences in its direction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |date=June 5, 2000 |title=Microsoft, Sega end gaming relationship |url=https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-78/microsoft-sega-end-gaming-relationship |access-date=June 18, 2020 |website=IT Pro Today |publisher=[[Informa]] |language=en |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627121018/https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-78/microsoft-sega-end-gaming-relationship |url-status=live }}</ref> SegaNet launched on September 7, 2000,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Christine |date=September 11, 2000 |title=Sega isn't playing around with SegaNet |publisher=[[CNN]] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/09/11/sega.online.idg/index.html |access-date=June 20, 2020 |archive-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619092107/https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/09/11/sega.online.idg/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and originally offered a rebate for a free Dreamcast and keyboard with a two-year contract.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=April 4, 2000 |title=Sega to Unveil Online Gaming Strategy |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |agency=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/04/technology/sega-to-unveil-online-gaming-strategy.html |access-date=June 23, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626155711/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/04/technology/sega-to-unveil-online-gaming-strategy.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fielder |first=Lauren |date=April 26, 2000 |title=Free Dreamcast for Sega's New ISP |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-dreamcast-for-segas-new-isp/1100-2542096/ |access-date=June 22, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |language=en-US |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626115402/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-dreamcast-for-segas-new-isp/1100-2542096/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of the Dreamcast's discontinuation, Sega announced they would discontinue the service on July 20, 2001, less than 11 months after launch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sklens |first=Mike |date=July 20, 2001 |title=SegaNet shutting down! |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6245/seganet-shutting-down |access-date=June 20, 2020 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625043351/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6245/seganet-shutting-down |url-status=live }}</ref> Online support for Dreamcast games via SegaNet continued until 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Playing Online |url=http://sega.com/help/online/online.jhtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030622073540/http://sega.com/help/online/online.jhtml |archive-date=June 22, 2003 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |website=[[Sega]]}}</ref>

Dreamarena was a free [[dial-up]]-based online gaming service provided for Dreamcast consoles in Europe, launching with the debut of the Dreamcast in Europe on October 14, 1999.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=October 14, 1999 |title=Sega's console dream |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/466765.stm |access-date=June 23, 2020 |website=[[BBC News]] |archive-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123163435/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/466765.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The service was created and operated for Sega Europe by a partnership between [[International Computers Limited|ICL]], [[BT Group|BT]] and various [[ISP]]s.<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hara |first=Yoshiko |date=May 14, 1999 |title=British Telecom to bring Net access to Sega's Dreamcast |url=https://www.eetimes.com/british-telecom-to-bring-net-access-to-segas-dreamcast/ |magazine=[[EE Times]] |publisher=AspenCore |access-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627123053/https://www.eetimes.com/british-telecom-to-bring-net-access-to-segas-dreamcast/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The service was accessed via the DreamKey browser, which was also built into some games such as ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Carless |first=Simon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrqz84QUuSEC&q=dreamcast+broadband+adapter+japan+launch+date&pg=PA210 |title=Gaming Hacks |date=2004 |publisher=[[O'Reilly Media]] |isbn=978-0-596-00714-0 |pages=210–211 |language=en}}</ref> After the discontinuation of the Dreamcast, Sega closed Dreamarena on February 28, 2002.<ref name="DK3.0 - Games Domain">{{cite news |last1=Brotherson |first1=Corey |title=Sega's Dreamy date |work=[[Games Domain]] |publisher=[[British Telecommunications]] |url=http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/news/6578.html |access-date=December 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020819095725/http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/news/6578.html |archive-date=August 19, 2002}}</ref>

== Reception and legacy ==
[[File:Sega Dreamcast arcade machine.jpg|thumb|upright|A Dreamcast European retail demo kiosk is at the [[Finnish Museum of Games]] in [[Tampere]], [[Finland]]. The video game seen on the screen is ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', where [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] is in Mystic Ruins.]]
In December 1999, ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' rated the Dreamcast four out of five, writing: "If you want the most powerful system available now, showcasing the best graphics at a reasonable price, this system is for you." However, ''Next Generation'' gave its future prognosis three out of five, noting that Sony and Nintendo were both due to release more powerful consoles.<ref name="NextGen214">{{cite magazine|title=The War for the Living Room|magazine=Next Generation|publisher=Imagine Media|date=December 1999|page=95|issue=2.1.4}}</ref> At the beginning of 2000, five ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' reviewers scored the Dreamcast 8.5, 8.5, 8.5, 8.0, and 9.0 out of 10.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly 2000 Buyer's Guide|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media, LLC.|author=Davison, John|date=January 2000|display-authors=etal}}</ref> In 2001, the ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' reviewers scored it 9.0, 9.0, 9.0, 9.0, and 9.5 out of 10.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly 2001 Buyer's Guide|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media, LLC.|author=Leahy, Dan|date=January 2001|display-authors=etal}}</ref> ''[[Businessweek|BusinessWeek]]'' named the Dreamcast one of the best products of 1999.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/business-week-praises-the-dreamcast-2440353 | title = Business Week Praises the Dreamcast - GameSpot.com | access-date = February 23, 2013 | last = Kennedy | first = Sam | date = December 10, 1999}}</ref>

Reasons cited for the failure of the Dreamcast include consumer excitement for the PS2;<ref name="Dreamcast memorial" /><ref name="Forensic" /><ref>{{cite magazine |date=June 27, 2006 |title=The ten greatest years in gaming |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/ten-greatest-years-gaming/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022221114/http://www.edge-online.com/features/ten-greatest-years-gaming/ |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref> a lack of support from EA and [[Square Enix|Squaresoft]], the most popular third parties in the US and Japan respectively;<ref name="360 will succeed" /> disagreement among executives over Sega's future, and Okawa's lack of commitment to the product;<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /> Sega's lack of advertising money, with Bellfield doubting that Sega spent even "half" the $100 million it had pledged to promote the Dreamcast in the US;<ref name="gamasutra1" />{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=573. '''Charles Bellfield:''' "When you consider that Microsoft has announced a $500 million marketing program for the launch of Xbox and that Nintendo has a $5 billion war chest and the overall power behind Sony's PlayStation brand, Sega does not have the ability to compete against those companies"}} that the market was not ready for online gaming;<ref name="Pulls plug" /><ref name="360 will succeed" /> Sega's focus on "hardcore" gamers over mainstream consumers;<ref name="Dreamcast memorial" /><ref name="Pulls plug" /> poor timing;<ref name="gamasutra1" /> and damage to Sega's reputation caused by its several poorly supported previous platforms.<ref name="360 will succeed" /><ref name="gamepro">{{cite magazine |author=Snow |first=Blake |date=May 4, 2007 |title=The 10 Worst-Selling Consoles of All Time |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/111822/the-10-worst-selling-consoles-of-all-time/ |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905175406/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/111822/the-10-worst-selling-consoles-of-all-time/ |archive-date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=October 28, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=November 18, 2014 |title=The Lost Child of a House Divided: A Sega Saturn Retrospective |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-lost-child-of-a-house-divided-a-sega-saturn-retrospective |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215095100/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-lost-child-of-a-house-divided-a-sega-saturn-retrospective |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |access-date=December 17, 2014 |publisher=[[USgamer]]}}</ref> In ''GamePro'', Blake Snow wrote of "the much beloved [Dreamcast] launched years ahead of the competition but ultimately struggled to shed the negative reputation [Sega] had gained during the Saturn, Sega 32X, and [[Sega CD]] days. As a result, casual gamers and jaded third-party developers doubted Sega's ability to deliver."<ref name="gamepro" />

''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Dan Whitehead noted that consumers' "wait-and-see" approach, and the lack of support from EA, were symptoms rather the cause of Sega's decline. He concluded that "Sega's misadventures during the 1990s had left both gamers and publishers wary of any new platform bearing its name".<ref name="Forensic" /> According to ''[[1UP.com|1Up.com]]'''s Jeremy Parish, it would be intellectually dishonest to blame Sony for "killing the Dreamcast by overselling the PS2", as Sega's lack of support for previous consoles had made customers hesitant to purchase Dreamcasts.<ref name="Dreamcast memorial" />

In 2009, ''IGN'' named the Dreamcast the eighth-greatest video game console, praising its software and innovations, including its online play.<ref name="IGNGreat">{{cite web |title=Dreamcast is number 8 |url=https://ign.com/top-25-consoles/8.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830184437/http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/8.html |archive-date=August 30, 2011 |access-date=September 7, 2011 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> In 2010, ''PC Magazine''{{'}}s Jeffrey L. Wilson named the Dreamcast the greatest console and said that it was "gone too soon".<ref name="PCMag">{{cite web|last=Wilson |first=Jeffrey L. |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2364241,00.asp |title=The 10 Greatest Video Game Consoles of All Time |work=PCmag.com |date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=November 26, 2014 |quote=A collection of creative, fun, and quirky games that you'd be hard-pressed to find in such abundance on any other platform. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204123346/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2364241%2C00.asp |archive-date=December 4, 2014}}</ref> In 2013, ''Edge'' named the Dreamcast the tenth-best console of the last 20 years, highlighting innovations including in-game voice chat, [[downloadable content]], and second-screen technology through the use of VMUs. ''Edge'' wrote that "Sega's console was undoubtedly ahead of its time, and it suffered at retail for that reason... [b]ut its influence can still be felt today."<ref name="Edge20">{{cite magazine |date=September 20, 2013 |title=The ten best consoles: our countdown of the greatest game boxes of the last 20 years |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-best-consoles-the-greatest-gameboxes-from-the-past-20-years/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128181657/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-best-consoles-the-greatest-gameboxes-from-the-past-20-years/ |archive-date=November 28, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref> Dan Whitehead of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' likened the Dreamcast to "a small, square, white plastic [[JFK]]. A progressive force in some ways, perhaps misguided in others, but nevertheless a promising life cut tragically short by dark shadowy forces, spawning complex conspiracy theories that endure to this day." He wrote that its short lifespan "may have sealed its reputation as one of the greatest consoles ever", as "nothing builds a cult like a tragic demise".<ref name="Forensic"/> According to ''IGN''{{'}}s Travis Fahs, "Many hardware manufacturers have come and gone, but it's unlikely any will go out with half as much class as Sega."<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast"/>{{Quote box
| quote = If ever a system deserved to succeed, it was Dreamcast. Dreamcast has a hell of a library. It's dying now, 18 months old, with a larger library than the 5-year-old Nintendo 64. It's a better library than the Nintendo 64. Dreamcast was a wonderful system.
| source = —Journalist [[Steven L. Kent]], March 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=''GI'' "Quotables"|magazine=Game Informer|volume=11|issue=100|date=August 2001|pages=44–45}}</ref>
| width = 30em
}}

The Dreamcast's game library was celebrated.<ref name="gamepro" /> In January 2000, three months after the Dreamcast's North American launch, ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' wrote that "with [[AAA (video game industry)|triple-A]] stuff like ''Soul Calibur'', ''NBA 2K'', and soon ''Crazy Taxi'' to kick around, we figure you're happy you took the 128-bit plunge".<ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 2000 |title=...Should you buy a Dreamcast or Wait? |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=EGM Media, LLC. |issue=126 |page=150}}</ref> In a retrospective, ''[[PC Magazine]]''{{'}}s Jeffrey L. Wilson referred to Dreamcast's "killer library" and said that Sega's creative influence and visual innovation had been at its peak.<ref name="PCMag" /> The staff of ''Edge'' agreed with this assessment of Dreamcast games, including Sega's arcade conversions, stating that the system "delivered the first games that could meaningfully be described as arcade perfect".<ref name="Edge20" /> Damien McFerran of ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' praised Dreamcast's NAOMI arcade ports, and wrote: "The thrill of playing ''Crazy Taxi'' in the arcade knowing full well that a pixel-perfect conversion (and not some cut-down port) was set to arrive on the Dreamcast is an experience gamers are unlikely to witness again."<ref name="RetroinspectionD" />

[[Nick Montfort]] and Mia Consalvo, writing in ''Loading... The Journal of the Canadian Game Studies Association'', argued that "the Dreamcast hosted a remarkable amount of video game development that went beyond the odd and unusual and is interesting when considered as [[avant-garde]]&nbsp;... It is hard to imagine a commercial console game expressing strong resistance to the commodity perspective and to the view that game production is commerce. But even when it comes to resisting commercialization, it is arguable that Dreamcast games came closer to expressing this attitude than any other console games have."<ref name="Avant-Garde" /> ''1Up.com''{{'}}s Jeremy Parish favorably compared Sega's Dreamcast output, which included some of "the most varied, creative, and fun [games] the company had ever produced", with its "enervated" status as a third-party.<ref name="Dreamcast memorial" /> Fahs noted, "The Dreamcast's life was fleeting, but it was saturated with memorable titles, most of which were completely new properties."<ref name="IGN's History of Sega" /> According to author [[Steven L. Kent]], "From ''Sonic Adventure'' and ''Shenmue'' to ''Space Channel 5'' and ''Seaman'', Dreamcast delivered and delivered and delivered."<ref name="Kentsite">{{cite web |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |date=October 9, 2006 |title=SOMETIMES THE BEST |url=http://sadsamspalace.blogspot.com/2006/10/sometimes-best.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218184642/http://sadsamspalace.blogspot.com/2006/10/sometimes-best.html |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |access-date=October 31, 2014 |publisher=Sad Sam's Place}}</ref>

Some journalists have compared the demise of the Dreamcast with changing trends in the video game industry. In ''[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]'', Duncan Harris wrote: "One of the reasons that older gamers mourned the loss of the Dreamcast was that it signaled the demise of arcade gaming culture&nbsp;... Sega's console gave hope that things were not about to change for the worse and that the tenets of fast fun and bright, attractive graphics were not about to sink into a brown and green bog of realistic war games."{{sfn|Mott|2013|page=434}} Jeremy Parish, writing for ''[[USgamer]]'', contrasted the Dreamcast's diverse library with the "suffocating sense of conservatism" that pervaded the gaming industry in the following decade.<ref>{{cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=September 13, 2014 |title=What if Dreamcast Had Won? |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/what-if-dreamcast-had-won |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215170706/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/what-if-dreamcast-had-won |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |publisher=USgamer}}</ref> According to Sega's head of product implementation, Tadashi Takezaki, the Dreamcast would have been Sega's last video game console no matter how it sold because of the changes in the market and the rise of PCs. He praised the Dreamcast for its features, saying in 2013, "The seeds we sowed with the Dreamcast are finally bearing fruit at this point in time. In some ways, we were going by the seat of our pants, but it was part of the Sega credo at the time — if it's fun, then go for it."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gifford |first=Kevin |date=August 7, 2013 |title=Why did the Dreamcast fail? Sega's marketing veteran looks back |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/8/7/4599588/why-did-the-dreamcast-fail-segas-marketing-veteran-looks-back |access-date=June 25, 2022 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625224228/https://www.polygon.com/2013/8/7/4599588/why-did-the-dreamcast-fail-segas-marketing-veteran-looks-back |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Dreamcast remains popular in the video game [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] community. By 2014, [[List of Dreamcast homebrew games|unlicensed Dreamcast games]] formatted for [[MIL-CD]], a multimedia-enhanced format developed by Sega and supported by the Dreamcast, continued to be released.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=May 2011 |title=Keeping The Dream Alive: The Men Behind Dreamcast Homebrew |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6376/keeping_the_dream_alive_the_men_.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515012754/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6376/keeping_the_dream_alive_the_men_.php |archive-date=May 15, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Gamasutra]]}}</ref> After Sega shut down the official Dreamcast servers, hobbyists developed [[Server emulator|private servers]] to allow games such as ''Phantasy Star Online'' to continue being played online.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fenlon|first=Wes|date=April 14, 2017|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/phantasy-star-online-will-never-die-how-the-nicest-fans-in-gaming-keep-a-16-year-old-mmo-alive/|title=Phantasy Star Online will never die: how the nicest fans in gaming keep a 16-year-old MMO alive|website=PC Gamer|access-date=July 14, 2018|language=EN-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000017/http://www.pcgamer.com/phantasy-star-online-will-never-die-how-the-nicest-fans-in-gaming-keep-a-16-year-old-mmo-alive/|archive-date=January 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Dan |title=The Dreamcast Dozen |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-dreamcast-dozen-article |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=October 17, 2023 |date=February 1, 2009 |archive-date=November 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126062443/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-dreamcast-dozen-article |url-status=live }}</ref> Hobbyists have restored online functions for 40 Dreamcast games as of 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Games: Dreamcast Live |url=https://dreamcastlive.net/games/ |website=[[Dreamcast Live]] |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=February 10, 2025 |archive-date=2025-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210064344/https://dreamcastlive.net/games/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book|last=Mott|first=Tony|title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die|year=2013|publisher=Universe Publishing|location=New York City|isbn=978-0-7893-2090-2|title-link=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die}}
* {{cite book|last1=DeMaria|first1=Rusel|last2=Wilson|first2=Johnny L.|title=High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games|year=2004|publisher=McGraw-Hill/Osborne|location=Emeryville, California|isbn=978-0-07-223172-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Kent|first=Steven L.|author-link=Steven L. Kent|title=[[The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World]]|year=2001|publisher=[[Prima Games|Prima Publishing]]|location=Roseville, California|isbn=978-0-7615-3643-7}}

{{Spoken Wikipedia|date=2011-04-30|En-Dreamcast-Article.oga}}
{{Dreamcast|state=expanded}}
{{Sega hardware|Dreamcast}}
{{Sixth generation game consoles}}
{{Home video game consoles}}
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